Koome– Residents of Koome Sub-county witnessed a significant moment in local governance as newly elected leaders, led by Hon. Kiyinji Lawrence, officially took oath of office during a ceremony held at the sub-county headquarters in the island communities of Mukono South Constituency.
The event marked the beginning of a new leadership term, with renewed commitments toward improved service delivery and development.
The colorful ceremony attracted a wide range of leaders and stakeholders, including the Mukono District Governor, Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome, accompanied by members of his executive committee, the District Speaker, district councilors, and technical staff led by the Senior Principal Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Kamara Daneil, who represented the Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Ddamba Henry. Also in attendance were political leaders, community members, and distinguished guests, including Hon. Nasuuna Juliet, the Buganda Vice Chairperson of the NRM Women’s League, and Hon. Nakavubu Margaret, an NRM Woman MP contestant in the recently concluded general elections.
During the ceremony, Hon. Kiyinji Lawrence, together with 15 elected councilors representing various parishes in Koome Sub-county, officially took the oath of office, pledging to serve the people faithfully and uphold the laws of Uganda.
Following the swearing-in, the Sub-county Chief formally handed over the instrument of power to Hon. Kiyinji, officially ushering him into office. The newly constituted council then held its first official sitting, during which Hon. Sserwadda Hanington was elected unopposed as Speaker of the Council, alongside his Deputy, Hon. Ssempuijja Robert, both members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The council also approved the appointment of Hon. Ssekibule Joseph as Vice Chairperson, while Hon. Kayondo Christopher was appointed Secretary for Works and Production, Hon. Kiyagga Henry took on the Finance, Planning and Administration docket, and Hon. Mbabazi was appointed Secretary for Health, Education, and Community-Based Services.
While addressing the gathering, District Governor Chairperson LCV of Mukono District, Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome urged residents of Koome to embrace and actively support government programs to fully benefit from the services and development initiatives being implemented across Mukono District. He thanked the people for entrusting him with leadership during the recently concluded general elections and pledged to deliver meaningful development to the island communities.
Hon. Lukooya outlined several key priorities for Koome Sub-county, including lobbying for a ferry service to improve transport connectivity, upgrading the local Health Centre III to a Health Centre IV, improving road infrastructure, recruiting more civil servants, and expanding bursary opportunities for children from the area to acquire skills and secure employment within their communities.
He also issued a strong warning to individuals soliciting illegal payments from residents in government institutions such as schools and health facilities, cautioning that such practices would not be tolerated and could lead to disciplinary action.
The District Governor further pledged to strengthen healthcare services in the island communities and condemned land dealers who exploit grieving families to illegally acquire land following the death of elders.
“There is no one above the law,” Hon. Lukooya emphasized, as he vowed to protect vulnerable families from illegal land evictions and ensure justice prevails.
In a move aimed at improving emergency response services, Hon. Lukooya also revealed plans to introduce solar-powered engines for island ambulances to reduce fuel costs and improve transportation for medical emergencies. He added that the same innovation could support fishermen by lowering operational costs associated with fuel on water.
While presiding over the ceremony, Mr. Kamara Daneil commended the people of Koome for conducting peaceful elections and urged the newly elected leaders to prioritize service delivery, accountability, and unity as they begin their term in office.
In his remarks, Hon. Kiyinji Lawrence congratulated Hon. Lukooya upon his successful election and assumption of office as Mukono District Governor. He pledged to serve the people of Koome diligently and to work closely with district leadership to improve the welfare of residents and advance development across both Koome and Mukono District.
The swearing-in of the newly elected leaders of Koome Sub-county marks an important step in strengthening local governance and advancing development in the island communities of Mukono District.
District leaders have emphasized unity, accountability, and active citizen participation as essential pillars for progress. With strong commitments from both political and technical leaders, residents of Koome are hopeful that the new administration will deliver improved services, address longstanding challenges, and create new opportunities for social and economic transformation over the next five years.
