By Olivia Nabaggala
Councillors in Makindye Division have elected NRM’s John Tugaineyo as Speaker and Sirajje Bukenya as Deputy Speaker.
The elections were presided over by Makindye Chief Magistrate Sarah Anne Basemera at the division headquarters on Thursday.
In the race for Speaker, Tugaineyo defeated NUP’s Erias Ssemogerere after securing 30 votes against Ssemogerere’s 18.
For the position of Deputy Speaker, NRM’s Sirajje Bukenya also garnered 30 votes, defeating NUP’s Kasule Bashirah, who received 18 votes.
Following the elections, Chief Magistrate Basemera officiated the swearing-in ceremony. Makindye Division Town Clerk Thomas Ssentongo handed over the instruments of power, including the mace, the Constitution of Uganda, the Local Government Act, the rules of procedure, and the official stamp.
In his acceptance speech, Speaker Tugaineyo pledged to lead a fair and inclusive council where every councillor would have an opportunity to contribute to debates. He also committed to fostering a positive working relationship among councillors.
Deputy Speaker Bukenya similarly pledged to work with all councillors regardless of their political affiliation.
Makindye Division Mayor Yasin Omar welcomed the new leadership and outlined four key priorities for the council this term: eliminating garbage, improving street lighting, fixing potholes, and strengthening security.
Omar also urged councillors to closely monitor government programmes, especially the Parish Development Model, and called for expedited efforts to subdivide the division, saying its growing population continues to strain service delivery.
The next council sitting is scheduled for June 5, 2026, when Mayor Omar is expected to present his cabinet for approval.
