Leaders in Kazo district have officially begun a new term of office following the swearing-in of newly elected councillors and district chairperson Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda in a ceremony marked by calls for unity, cooperation and accelerated development.

The event, held at the district headquarters, was presided over by Chief Magistrate Sseruwo Benjamin and attracted newly elected leaders, technical staff, stakeholders and well-wishers from across the district.

All district councillors were officially sworn in during what leaders described as a historic and joyful occasion for the district. The ceremony also saw Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda take oath for a new term as LC5 Chairperson before receiving the instruments of power.

Speaking shortly after taking oath, Katugunda thanked councillors and residents for maintaining discipline throughout the exercise. He also appreciated the previous council for cooperating with his administration during the past term.

“I have never crashed with the council because we have always worked together for the good of Kazo district,” Katugunda said.

The district leadership elections followed immediately after the swearing-in ceremony. In a closely contested race for Speaker of Council, Hon. Dan Nahurira Bwamunyoga defeated Hon.Enock Rutashorora after securing 16 votes, representing 57.1 percent, against Rutashorora’s 12 votes, representing 42.8 percent.
Following his victory, Speaker Dan Nahurira Bwamunyoga thanked councillors for entrusting him with the position and called for unity among all members of council.

“I thank all councillors who voted for me, and I also ask those who did not vote for me to cooperate with me so that together we can build Kazo district,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hon. Kakuru Yasin was elected Deputy Speaker after polling 18 votes to defeat Hon.Ainembabazi Apophia who received 9 votes.
The LC5 chairperson also reappointed Ntungire Fred as Vice Chairperson, a decision later endorsed by the council.

Katugunda further announced his executive appointments, naming Ham Rubeinika as Secretary for Works, Production and Finance, Leah Munene as Secretary for Social Services and Community Based Services, and Apolo Kanyankole as Secretary for Administration and Planning.
All appointed leaders later took oath as required under the Constitution of Uganda.

During his address to the district council, Katugunda highlighted achievements registered under his previous administration, noting that Kazo district ranked sixth nationally in the 2024/2025 local government assessments.

He said the district had registered significant progress in sectors including health, infrastructure, water, education and even in other departments

Katugunda also praised Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his leadership and commended Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for what he described as efforts to fight corruption. He added that he would continue supporting Gen. Muhoozi and thanked him for granting him PLU Number PO 023.

The swearing-in ceremony officially marked the beginning of the 2026–2031 leadership term in Kazo district.

The Writer is Tinyefuza Naboth -Communications officer for Kazo district local government