Politics 14 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ntungamo District Council Inaugurated, Vows to End Infighting
Ntungamo District has a new council, sworn in on May 13, 2026, with 46 new faces, aiming to break from a history of political infighting and focus on service delivery. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/a-fresh-start-for-ntungamo-new-district-council-sworn-in-amid-calls-for-unity-5459250
A new era has dawned for Ntungamo District as 63 councillors and the District Chairperson were officially sworn into office on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. The new leadership pledged to put an end to the district’s long-standing legacy of political infighting and usher in an era of transparency and accountability.
This significant transition sees a predominantly new council, with only 17 returning members out of 63. The majority of the previous council, including long-serving members, were voted out in the January elections.
In his inaugural address, District Chairperson Sam Mucunguzi extended an olive branch to his political opponents, calling for unity and constructive criticism. He acknowledged past frictions but expressed confidence that the new council, with a clear mandate from the electorate, would prioritize streamlined service delivery and adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
“I call upon them to come and work together,” Mucunguzi urged. “I will be reviewed for my first 100 days in office, and we shall have achieved much by then.”
Mr. Bernard Ahabwe Mupenda was elected as the new District Speaker, succeeding Mr. Nicholas Mugyenyi. With a council composed of many new members, Chief Administrative Officer Fidelis Kizza emphasized the need for professional training to manage “excitement and over-expectations” and ensure effective governance.
Former Deputy Attorney General Mwesigwa Rukutana, present at the ceremony, described the transition as a historic opportunity, noting that Ntungamo has a history of internal strife since its formation in 1993, which once led to presidential intervention.
Chairperson Mucunguzi also announced his executive committee, including Vice Chairperson Mr. Asuman Kigongo and Secretaries for Finance, Works, and Gender.
The 2026-2031 term will focus on key development areas such as production, road rehabilitation, and improvements in health and education facilities. The new leadership faces the immediate challenge of translating their promises into tangible progress for the district.
This article is based on information from the Daily Monitor.