By Yusuf Obbo
The newly elected Mayor of Iganga, Nasser Kongola, has officially been sworn into office, promising to champion development programs, transparency, unity, and improved service delivery for the people of Iganga Municipality.
Kongola, a vibrant young leader from the National Unity Platform (NUP), succeeds his party colleague Bamu Lulenzi, who opted to contest for a parliamentary seat but was unsuccessful.
Kongola began his political journey in 2021 when he contested for the LC5 chairperson position on the NUP ticket. In the recent elections, he successfully contested for the position of Mayor of Iganga Municipality.
Speaking shortly after taking oath, Kongola pledged to transform Iganga into a municipality every resident can be proud of.
“The people of Iganga Municipality trusted me with their votes, and it is my responsibility to fulfill their desires. We all need a better Iganga, and that is my major focus as I begin office today as your mayor. We shall work as a team, and my doors are open for guidance. This victory does not belong to me alone; it belongs to all the people of Iganga Municipality — both the common people and the rich. My mission is to serve everyone and build on what has already been established. I call upon all stakeholders to stand with me as we work towards a better Iganga,” Kongola said.
The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by Iganga Chief Magistrate His Worship Kenneth Komakech and was attended by 26 councillors from NUP, NRM, and independent political affiliations.
Following the ceremony, councillors held their first council sitting to elect the municipal speaker and deputy speaker. NRM’s Butanda Salim and Elic Benza emerged successful in the respective positions.
Using the powers vested in him as mayor, Kongola appointed NUP’s Isabirye Hussein as Deputy Mayor. Other members of the executive committee include Kasanja Robinson as Production Secretary, Kalange Farida in charge of Works, and Stephen Bayita as Finance Secretary.
Outgoing Mayor Bamu Lulenzi used the occasion to thank the people of Iganga Municipality for the trust they accorded him during his 15 years in leadership — 10 years as councillor for Nakavule and five years as mayor.
Lulenzi highlighted several achievements registered during his tenure, including the installation of solar street lights to improve security, rehabilitation of roads, expansion of local revenue from Shs100 million to Shs1 billion, and improvements in garbage management through partnership with cleaning contractor Homkline.
He also revealed that several major development projects remain in the pipeline, including the implementation of the USMID program, which is expected to transform the municipality through improved drainage systems, modern roads, street lighting, garbage management, and modernization of the bus park.
Lulenzi thanked First Deputy Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga for supporting efforts to secure the USMID program for Iganga Municipality despite initial concerns that the municipality was too small to qualify.
As he handed over office, Lulenzi congratulated Kongola and urged him to prioritize teamwork with the municipality’s technical staff for effective service delivery.
“As I leave office for my brother Kongola Nasser, I do so with good faith and love because I had opted for a higher position. I congratulate him upon this achievement, and my doors remain open for any assistance. Good service delivery comes through teamwork. Politicians mainly advocate, but the technical team headed by the Town Clerk plays a major role. When leaders cooperate with technical staff, success follows. I wish him the best as he serves the people of Iganga,” Lulenzi said.
