Two women preside over historic change of guard at Kampala City Hall and Makindye Ssabagabo

21 May 2026, 11:18 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The long-awaited transition of leadership at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality finally came to pass yesterday, with two women presiding over the historic swearing-in ceremonies held in Kampala and Wakiso respectively.

At City Hall in Kampala, tight health measures linked to the Ebola outbreak in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo shaped the day’s proceedings. The newly sworn-in Lord Mayor was only allowed to be escorted by nine people despite plans to arrive with a much larger entourage reportedly numbering about 2,000 supporters. Councilors were also restricted to bringing only two guests each as authorities enforced Ebola Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

The swearing-in ceremony for Kampala’s new political leadership was presided over by Her Worship Ritah Neumbe Kidasa, who urged the leaders to serve the people with honesty and integrity.

“As we usher in new leaders entrusted with serving the people of Kampala, I urge you to discharge your duties with integrity,” she said.

Ronald Balimwezo officially took the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office alongside the newly elected councilors. He was accompanied by his wife Rachael Balimwezo, Joel Ssenyonyi and other leaders from the National Unity Platform (NUP).

Balimwezo took oath shortly after 1PM.

Speaking during the ceremony, Sharifah Buzeki, the Executive Director of KCCA, congratulated the new leaders and pledged cooperation between the technical and political wings of the authority.

“Congratulations to the elected leaders. My team and I are fully ready to work with you and support the implementation of Kampala’s priorities,” she said.

The new leadership assumes office at a time when KCCA is rolling out its ambitious five-year strategic plan for Financial Years 2025/26 to 2029/30 valued at Shs11.9 trillion under the theme: “Revitalizing Kampala into a Functional City.”

In his maiden remarks, Balimwezo thanked God and pledged to unite stakeholders to rebuild trust in the city administration.

“I give glory and honour to God through this journey. Thank you Executive Director for accepting to work with me. Our goal as new leaders is to restore trust in Kampala by bringing all stakeholders together to discuss the Kampala they want. Garbage is one of the critical challenges we must address,” he said.

The newly sworn-in councilors also pledged commitment to serving Kampala residents. KCCA has a total of 34 councilors, including representatives of special interest groups.

Meanwhile, at Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality Gardens, His Worship Galabuzi John Bosco Serunkuuma was sworn in as mayor and promised to be a hands-on leader focused on service delivery.

During the ceremony, leaders and guests were encouraged to observe Ebola prevention guidelines, including avoiding handshakes and hugs.

In his oath, Galabuzi pledged to uphold the Constitution and promote the welfare of the people of Makindye Ssabagabo Municipality.

In his address shortly after taking oath, he thanked God, his wife, family members, religious leaders, and residents for supporting his political journey. He also pledged to work with all leaders regardless of political affiliation, including opposition and independent councilors.

He further thanked the Makindye Magistrate for officiating the swearing-in ceremony.

The new leaders officially begin a term of office expected to run until 2031.