Luwero -Outgoing Luwero Town Council LCIII Chairperson Chris Buwembo has pledged not to fight his successor, saying he will instead focus on pursuing a bigger political position in the next general elections.
On Tuesday, Buwembo officially handed over office to the newly elected LCIII Chairperson, Paul Mukungu Ssenyonga, during a ceremony in which certificates were awarded to technical staff, councillors, and taxpayers he worked with during his 2021–2026 term.
Buwembo, who contested on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket, lost the recently concluded local government elections to his long-time political rival, Paul Mukungu Ssenyonga, an Independent candidate leaning towards the NRM. Mukungu previously held the same seat before Buwembo defeated him in the 2021 general elections.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony for the new leaders, Buwembo said he was proud of his achievements despite the conflicts that characterized his tenure. He claimed that his administration had performed better than many previous LCIII chairpersons.
Among the achievements he highlighted were the paving of roads in Kasana and Luwero Central Market, installation of street lights, and improvement of education facilities within the town council.
Buwembo also revealed that the town council had procured a garbage collection truck and allocated Shs200 million towards the purchase of another dumping site before his exit from office.
He further credited himself for fighting corruption and boosting local revenue collection in the town council, although he acknowledged that persistent conflicts from different stakeholders affected his leadership.
Despite alleging that the February local government elections were marred by malpractice, Buwembo said he would not challenge the outcome in court and instead wished his successor well.
He also hinted at contesting for the Katikamu North parliamentary seat in the 2031 general elections, arguing that the seat could become vacant because the current occupant may not qualify for the NUP ticket under the party constitution.
“I want to send a message to my elder brother Paul Mukungu. I have served amidst conflicts, but I have delivered. I want to assure you that I will not be seen fighting your leadership as opponents did during my term,” Buwembo said.
Shortly after delivering his speech, Buwembo reportedly left the swearing-in ceremony prematurely, citing a visa appointment.
Meanwhile, the newly sworn-in LCIII Chairperson, Paul Mukungu Ssenyonga, said he holds no personal grudge against Buwembo.
Mukungu said his first priority would be to unite councillors and other leaders, accusing the outgoing administration of leaving behind divisions within the town council.
“You are aware that the outgoing chairperson had waged war against the incumbent MP, Denes Sekabira, and other councillors. My first task is to unite leaders and promote cohesion. You can already see that I have appointed NUP councillors to my executive in the spirit of unity and development,” Mukungu said.
Mukungu said he enjoys a good relationship with incumbent MP Sekabira and appreciated him for supporting his candidature following his fallout with Buwembo.
” I subscribe to NRM but I supported NUP’s MP Sekabira. I will continue to work with him to develop the town council” Mukungu said
He promised to address the challenge of uncollected garbage, rampant security threats and poor roads among others .
Following the swearing-in ceremony, councillors elected Faridah Najjuma as Speaker of the Luwero Town Council.
