Lira Mayor Sam Atul elected UAAU president

25 September 2026, 7:36 pm

By Baker Okello

The Mayor of Lira City, His Worship Sam Atul, has been elected President of the Urban Authorities Association of Uganda (UAAU).

The election was held today in Hoima City, where Atul secured 346 votes, defeating Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, who received 252 votes.

Speaking to our reporter, the LC3 Chairperson of Alito Town Council in Kole District, Benedict Obote confirmed that Atul’s election follows a competitive vote involving urban leaders from across the country.

The Urban Authorities Association of Uganda is the umbrella body representing Uganda’s cities, municipalities, city divisions and town councils.

The association represents a vast governance network that includes 11 cities, 31 municipalities, and 586 town councils, totaling 742 urban councils nationwide.

It brings together urban leaders, town clerks and speakers to deliberate on issues affecting local governments, including governance, urban planning, service delivery and local revenue mobilisation.

Atul’s election places him at the helm of the association at a time when urban authorities continue to address challenges related to infrastructure, service delivery, planning and revenue generation.