Mr. Ziija David Takes Office as Mayuge’s Fourth District Chairperson
Mr. Ziija David Takes Office as Mayuge’s Fourth District Chairperson
Mr. Ziija David has officially been sworn in as the fourth Chairperson of Mayuge District since its creation from the greater Iganga District in 2000. He follows in the footsteps of previous leaders: Mr. Ikooba Bakaali Tigawalana, Hajji Omar Bongo Ductoor and Bishop Frank Tibagendeka. Presided over by Mayuge Chief Magistrate His Worship Osaulo John Paul, the ceremony took place on Monday 18th May, 2026, at the district headquarters. Alongside Chairperson Ziija, 38 district councillors were also sworn in to serve for the 2026-2031 term.
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Mayuge, Mr. Batambuze Abdu, thanked the outgoing council for the achievements registered and congratulated the incoming council. He officially handed over the instruments of power to the incoming District Chairperson, Mr. Ziija David. Mr. Batambuze had previously taken custody of the office on Friday 15th May 2026, from the outgoing Chairperson, Bishop Frank Tibagendeka. The transition symbols transferred to Mr. Ziija included the Local Government Act, the official stamp, the chairperson's vehicle and the office keys.
Mayuge Chief Magistrate His Worship Osaulo John Paul opened the proceedings by congratulating the newly sworn-in District Chairperson and Councillors, while thanking the public for witnessing the milestone. He also commended the Chief Administrative Officer for managing the transitional handover.
Presiding over the first council session, the Chief Magistrate outlined the nomination guidelines before opening the floor for the District Speaker race. The contest featured Hon. Wandira Nelson (NRM) of Buwaaya Sub-county and Hon. Okori Emmanuel (PFF) representing Bukatube Sub-county. Following an immediate secret ballot organized by the District Electoral Commission, Hon. Wandira emerged victorious with 26 votes against Hon. Okori’s 13 votes.
Upon being declared and officially robed into the Speaker’s chair by the Chief Magistrate, Speaker Wandira immediately presided over the election for Deputy Speaker. The race saw Hon. Nalubowa Syda (NRM) of Imanyiro Sub-county defeat Hon. Namukose Halisati (NUP) of Kityerera Sub-county by 25 to 14 votes. In his maiden address, Speaker Wandira emphasized strict time management and pledged to run an inclusive council where all members can voice their views without discrimination.
In his inaugural address to the council, District Chairperson Mr. Ziija David expressed gratitude to the community for their support and thanked the technical staff, religious, political, and cultural leaders in attendance. He also acknowledged the presence of Members of Parliament and more than five fellow District Chairpersons from the Busoga region. Declaring that the campaign season was officially over, Mr. Ziija urged councillors to unite and focus on service delivery, advising them to build strong relationships with development partners. Looking ahead, he pledged to construct a new 200-office administration block during his term, while also commending the outgoing council for building the current District Council hall.
After congratulating the newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the Chairperson exercised his constitutional powers to nominate his executive committee. The council unanimously approved the following appointments:
- District Vice Chairperson: Hon. Anyango Dorothy-NRM (Baitambogwe Sub-county).
- Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration: Hon. Owori Isaac-NRM (Workers Representative).
- Secretary for Health and Education: Hon. Omasete Harbert-Independent (Bugadde Town Council).
- Secretary for Works and Production: Hon. Komugisha Barbra-NRM (Bukabooli Sub-county).
The Third Deputy Prime Minister and Mayuge District Woman Member of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama, attended as the Chief Guest. In her remarks, she thanked the electorate for voting for H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and commended the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Chief Administrative Officer, and technical staff for their dedicated service delivery. Rt. Hon. Nakadama urged the newly sworn-in councillors to proactively lobby for development through Members of Parliament and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to uplift their communities. Additionally, she issued a strong warning to the public, advising them to resist extortion and desist from buying government jobs.
The ceremony was witnessed by a diverse group of stakeholders from across Mayuge District, including community members from all sub-counties and town councils. Also in attendance were religious and cultural leaders, technical staff and political leaders from the village to the district level, and representatives from security organs. Key dignitaries included Bunya South MP Hon. Mpaata Saleh, alongside District Chairpersons Mr. Dhikusooka Elaijah Kagoda (Kaliro), Mr. Batwala Moses (Jinja), Mr. Sanya Ronald (Namayingo), Mr. Isabirye Shabiru Kalulu (Iganga), Mr. Kimaka Hamidu (Bugweri), and the Chairperson of Namutumba.