KAGADI
Vincent Semuga, the district councilor representing workers has been sworn in as the Speaker of Kagadi District Council for the 2026–2031 term after winning a court-ordered repeat election, while Amos Sebuliba was elected Deputy Speaker as the district completed formation of its leadership.
The elections were held on Thursday at the URDT Centre for Reflection in Kagadi Town Council and presided over by Kibaale Chief Magistrate Her Worship Nazifer Namayanja.
A total of 66 councillors participated in the Speaker election. Semuga (Independent) won with 37 votes (56 percent), defeating Francis Magezi Jamada (NRM candidate), who polled 29 votes. No invalid votes were recorded.
Following the declaration of results, Magistrate Namayanja formally announced Semuga as the duly elected Speaker.
He then took the oath of office and received instruments of power from Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Martin Yiga, who represented the Chief Administrative Officer.
In his acceptance speech, Semuga pledged to promote unity, strengthen accountability, and work with all leaders to improve service delivery in Kagadi District.
Jamada conceded defeat, congratulated Semuga, and called for unity among councillors to support development priorities in the district.
The council proceeded to elect the Deputy Speaker in accordance with the Local Governments Act. Three councillors were nominated: Amos Sebuliba (Kyaniasoke Sub-county), Andrew Mbusa (Mpeefu Sub-county), and Teddy Birungi (Kyaterekera Sub-county), who later withdrew in favour of Sebuliba.
Sebuliba won with 44 votes against Mbusa’s 20 out of 64 valid votes cast and was later sworn in as Deputy Speaker. Two councilors did not vote
Kagadi District Chairperson Elly Gard Tumusiime then appointed the district executive committee. John Alibankoha was named Vice Chairperson, Ataho Balisanyuka Secretary for Production, Asiimwe Oliver Irumba Secretary for Education and Health, and Joas Twinomujuni Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration.
Tumusiime called for unity among leaders, urging them to prioritise service delivery and development over political differences.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner Edward Birungi also congratulated the new leadership and urged them to focus on delivering services to residents.
The repeat election followed a dispute arising from the initial Speakership election held in May 2026. In that poll, Jamada polled 32 votes while Semuga obtained 28 votes. However, neither candidate reached the required 50 percent plus one vote, prompting the presiding officer to postpone the election and schedule a rerun for 11 June 2026.
Before the rerun, Jamada petitioned the High Court in Hoima seeking to be declared winner, arguing that the process was flawed and that some invalidated ballots should have been counted in his favour.
The High Court dismissed the petition for lack of sufficient evidence but directed Kagadi District Local Government to conduct a fresh election in accordance with the law.
The ruling cleared the way for Thursday’s re-run, in which Semuga emerged victorious.
The News Editor ,Reporter at Kagadi Kibaale community Radio
