By Olivia Nabaggala
The newly sworn-in mayor of Makindye Division, Yasin Omar, has pledged to revive Local Council (LC1 and LC2) courts to handle minor disputes and restore order at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the division headquarters after taking oath alongside councillors, Omar said LC1 and LC2 courts are essential in resolving minor disputes quickly and promoting harmony within communities.
“The LC1 courts are crucial because they help in shaping society by handling minor cases,” he said.
Omar, who previously served as an LC1 chairperson for more than 20 years before being elected division mayor, expressed concern that the police had gradually taken over responsibilities traditionally handled by LC courts, rendering them ineffective.
Crackdown on impostors
The mayor also vowed to crack down on individuals impersonating Kampala Capital City Authority law enforcement officers and extorting money from roadside traders during nighttime operations.
“People pretend to be KCCA enforcers and start extorting money from traders. I will fight such acts to ensure people live in harmony and peace,” Omar said.
Focus on government programs and inclusivity
Omar pledged to closely monitor government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga to ensure residents benefit equitably from the programs.
He also promised inclusive leadership and said his cabinet would cut across political affiliations. According to Omar, the cabinet will include representatives from the National Unity Platform (NUP), independents, and the National Resistance Movement (NRM), comprising one NUP councillor, one independent councillor, and two NRM councillors.
Infrastructure and service delivery
The mayor said one of his priorities would be the reconstruction of the Makindye Division headquarters to reflect the division’s status. He noted that the original design envisioned a four-storey building, but only two floors were completed.
He further revealed plans to introduce ordinances aimed at improving service delivery across the division.
The Makindye Division Council will comprise 45 leaders, including 44 councillors and the mayor.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, male councillor Owere Godfrey (NRM), representing Bukasa, Muyenga, and Namuwongo, pledged to ensure roads in his area are improved.
Councillor Bbaale Joseph Bwanika, the former deputy division mayor and now councillor for Ggaba, also promised effective representation for residents.
Other councillors sworn in included Egesa Joseph, representing persons with disabilities, and Nasuka Frida Prisper, among others.
What remains is for Mayor Yasin Omar to appoint his cabinet, which will include the deputy division mayor, secretary for social services, secretary for education, and secretary for planning and engineering. The proposed names will later be presented to council for approval.
On Thursday this week, Makindye Division councillors are expected to elect a speaker and deputy speaker who will lead the council until 2031.
