Councillors Challenged to Embrace Leadership, Unity and Development as Induction Closes

The three-day induction of Councilors has concluded in Hoima City, with Ministry of Local Government officials challenging leaders to embrace responsible leadership, teamwork and innovation as they work towards transforming the District.

Closing the induction at HB Hotel, the Commissioner for Local Council Development at the Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Swizin Kinga Mugyema, pledged the Ministry’s commitment to supporting Wakiso and promised to be an ambassador for the District if leaders play their part in building and promoting its image.

Commissioner Swizin noted that Wakiso plays a significant role in Uganda’s economic and social landscape and attracts considerable interest from stakeholders across the country.

He urged leaders to work together to rebrand and rehabilitate the District, cautioning them against allowing personal interests and short-term temptations to undermine its development trajectory.

“You won people’s confidence and they voted for you expecting much from you. Therefore, provide leadership for socio-economic transformation. Leadership is not just popularity but work,” he said.

He also challenged Councilors to focus on building a lasting legacy, reminding them that leadership requires patience, restraint and the ability to manage difficult situations.

“Do not allow anger that is disproportionate to the situation to trigger or take over your actions,” said Commisssioner Swizin.

Commissioner Swizin added that the Ministry has taken note of the issues raised during the induction and encouraged leaders to submit proposals through the appropriate channels as the relevant processes remain open.

He further announced that as the national induction programme continues across the country, each Councilor will receive copies of the Constitution, the Local Governments Act, participant handbooks and standard rules of procedure.

Earlier, Ministry officials had challenged Councilors to move beyond politics driven by popularity, personal interests and divisions and instead focus on their mandate as political leaders.

Mr. Dominic Kashaki, a Local Government Governance Specialist and National Inductor, urged Councilors to concentrate on service delivery and identify opportunities that can drive socio-economic transformation.

He encouraged leaders to remain focused and resilient, noting that the District has significant opportunities that require innovative and committed leadership.

“If Bunyoro can benefit from its oil, why can’t Wakiso benefit from its urbanization?” Kashaki asked, calling for greater utilisation of the opportunities created by rapid urban growth.

Ms. Assumpta Ikiriza Tibamwenda, Technical Adviser for Local Economic Development at the Ministry of Local Government, urged leaders to leverage the area’s strategic location and comparative advantages to strengthen local economic development.

She highlighted opportunities in real estate, tourism, heritage conservation, partnerships with universities and peri-urban farming, among others.

She encouraged both political leaders and technical staff to prioritise lobbying, advocacy and partnerships that can unlock investment and strengthen locally generated revenue.

Meanwhile, Mr. Eugene Gerald Ssemakula, a Local Council Trainer at the Ministry of Local Government, emphasised the importance of respecting the distinct roles of political leaders and technical staff.

He noted that political leaders and technocrats must operate within their respective mandates and follow established procedures to avoid unnecessary clashes.

He also reminded Councilors that their strength lies in working as a collective body, rather than acting individually.

Leadership and Resource Concerns

In his remarks, District Speaker Ibrahim Kazibwe thanked the Ministry for selecting Wakiso to host the first Councilors’ induction under the national programme.

He commended the Ministry for providing strong technical leadership and particularly praised Chief Administrative Officer Mark Jude Bukenya for his commitment to Councilors’ unity and engagement.

The Speaker, however, raised concerns about the current governance and financing arrangements, particularly the inclusion of Councilors from municipalities and town councils that he said do not contribute to the District treasury.

He called for consideration of amendments to the existing legal framework or alternative arrangements to address the financing of Council activities.

He also appealed for increased Government transfers, arguing that the level of resources available does not adequately match the demands for service delivery.

District Chairperson Eng. Ian Kyeyune echoed the concerns, calling for innovative and sustainable approaches to financing and resourcing the District.

He noted that the District continues to generate substantial local revenue but still faces resource constraints that affect implementation of programmes and services.

The three-day induction equipped Councilors with knowledge on their roles and responsibilities, council management, rules of procedure, local government governance, leadership, local economic development and the relationship between political and technical leadership.

The induction concluded with a renewed call for unity, accountability, innovation and collective action in driving socio-economic transformation.