19/05/2026
*Peaceful Swearing-in and Leadership Transition Held in Kanungu District*
The Kanungu District Council Hall today, 19th May 2026, hosted a formal swearing-in ceremony of the District Chairperson and subsequent council leadership elections, marking an important milestone in the district’s governance processes.
The ceremony was conducted in line with established administrative procedures, with the District Planner, Mr. Atuhaire Innocent, formally facilitating the handover process on behalf of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). This followed an earlier transition in which the CAO had received official instruments of office from the former District Chairperson, Eng. Sam Kajojo Arinaitwe, ensuring continuity in both political and administrative leadership.
As part of the official handover, key district assets were transferred, including office keys and a newly acquired government vehicle, registration number UG 3400114. The vehicle, which was recently received under the Government of Uganda’s initiative to support and strengthen mobility for district leadership, was formally handed over as part of the new leadership instruments of office, symbolizing improved operational capacity and service delivery readiness for Kanungu District.
During the ceremony, Mr. Byamukama Francis Kapesha was officially sworn in as the District Chairperson of Kanungu District Local Government. He was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Phionah Byamukama, who witnessed the historic occasion.
In his remarks after taking the oath of office, Chairperson Byamukama Francis Kapesha pledged to serve the people of Kanungu with commitment and integrity. He emphasized priorities including improved service delivery, enhanced infrastructure development, and strengthening unity among all residents of the district.
He further committed to working closely with political leaders, technical officers, development partners, and communities to ensure coordinated efforts in addressing development challenges and improving livelihoods. He also called for cooperation across political affiliations, emphasizing dialogue, peaceful engagement, and consensus-building as key pillars of district progress.
Following the swearing-in, the District Council proceeded with internal elections for key leadership positions. The election for District Speaker was highly competitive between Ms. Birungi Immaculate and Mr. Byaruhanga Frank Farah, who both tied at 26 votes, with one vote declared invalid. In accordance with council procedures, the tie was resolved through the casting vote of the District Chairperson, which increased Mr. Byaruhanga Frank Farah’s total to 27 votes, thereby declaring him duly elected District Speaker.
In the election for Deputy Speaker, Ms. Kashemire Comfort was elected with 34 votes, defeating the former Deputy Speaker, Ms. Kyasiimire Evelyn, who obtained 19 votes.
The District Executive Committee (DEC) was subsequently constituted as follows: Mr. Rukundo Joshua as District Vice Chairperson; Mr. Sabiti Godfrey as Secretary for Social Services (Education, Health, and Gender); Ms. Orishaba Elizabeth as Secretary for Finance and Statutory Boards; Mr. Agaba Innocent as Secretary for Production and Natural Resources; and Ms. Lukia Mbabazi as Secretary for Works and Technical Services.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished leaders and stakeholders including Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, Hon. James Ruugi Kaberuka, RDC Ambrose Mwesigye of Kanungu, religious leaders including Bishop Dan Zoreka and Bishop Sarah of the Pentecostal Church, members of statutory boards, the District Service Commission, Land Board representatives, and members of the public who accompanied their respective candidates.
Further details, including official remarks from the invited dignitaries delivered during the post-ceremony public engagement at the district playground, will be communicated in a subsequent official update.
This event marks a significant step in strengthening governance, continuity, and service delivery within Kanungu District.
Issued by:
T. Mwajuma Twaha Adams
District Communications Officer
Kanungu District Local Government