By Olivia Nabaggala
Makindye Division councillors have approved the deputy mayor and executive secretaries appointed by Mayor Yasin Omar during a council sitting held at the division headquarters on Friday.
The sitting, chaired by Division Speaker Tugaineyo John, included the formal presentation of the mayor’s appointments for approval by the council.
Mayor Omar appointed Allan Ssebatoma as Deputy Mayor. He also unveiled his executive team, naming Abdul Sserunjogi Ssamadi, who leans toward the National Unity Platform (NUP), as Secretary for Finance and Administration; Moreen Kyomugisha of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) as Secretary for Gender, Community Services and Production; and independent councillor Waswa Hassan as Secretary for Education and Public Services.
Speaking after his confirmation, Ssebatoma called for cooperation, unity and teamwork among leaders to ensure smooth service delivery and the achievement of the division’s goals. He said the mayor’s confidence in him was based on his ability to unite both young people and elders in the community.
The newly confirmed officials took their oath of office before Makindye Chief Magistrate Opio Charles Kangira. Makindye Division Town Clerk Thomas Sserunjogi later handed them the instruments of authority, including the official stamp.
The council also elected chairpersons for six standing committees. Rebecca Nambiro (Independent) was elected chairperson of the Education Committee, Masasi Waswa (NRM) for Gender, Bunya Abdul Hakim (Independent) for Finance, Owere Godfrey (NRM) for Administration and Human Resource, Kushaba Charles (NRM) for Internal Audit, and Nassaka Felista (NRM) for Public Health.
However, the election of the Rules and Privileges Committee was deferred after NUP councillors declined to submit nominees. The Clerk to Council explained that the committee should comprise five members: two from NRM, two from NUP and one independent councillor.
NRM submitted Namukana Harriet for chairperson, along with Masengere Sunday and independent councillor Isabin Ismael. NUP representatives said they would submit their nominees at a later date.
Speaker Tugaineyo directed NUP councillors to present their names for the committee before the next council sitting.
Speaking after her confirmation, Moreen Kyomugisha thanked Mayor Omar for the trust placed in her and pledged to closely monitor the implementation of government programmes.
Waswa Hassan pledged to assess health centres, ensure the availability of essential medicines, collaborate with schools to combat diseases, and ensure councillors’ concerns are addressed. Abdul Sserunjogi Ssamadi urged leaders to place service above political differences.
As the newly elected committee chairpersons rose to deliver their remarks, NUP councillors walked out of the council chambers. The reason for their departure was not immediately known.
Town Clerk Sserunjogi commended councillors for the spirit of cooperation they had demonstrated since their inauguration and urged them to resolve disagreements through the appropriate channels.
Speaker Tugaineyo reminded councillors that council sittings are scheduled between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and urged them to observe time management before adjourning the meeting.
