Iganga Municipality, the commercial hub of Iganga District in eastern Uganda, is headed for a tightly contested mayoral election, with 15 candidates vying for the top local government seat.
Elevated from a town council on July 7, 2010, the municipality elected Mr Siraje Katona as its first mayor (2011-2016).
More than a decade later, residents say development has not matched expectations, citing poor road networks, unfinished infrastructure, weak sanitation systems, and strained health and education services. With polling for Local Council 4 taking place today, candidates have rolled out competing visions centred on modernising markets, expanding and upgrading roads, improving sanitation and street lighting, creating jobs, and strengthening governance.
Former mayor David Balaba (Independent), who served from 2016 to 2021, is seeking to reclaim the seat, banking on his previous experience and name recognition. A university lecturer by profession, Mr Balaba said his return bid is driven by public demand rather than personal gain. ‘The people asked me to come back because they trust my performance, and I still have the desire to work for them,’ he said. If elected, Mr Balaba plans to prioritise completion of stalled projects, particularly the modernisation of Iganga’s main market, which serves traders from at least five neighbouring districts.
He also pledged to revive roadworks, adding that although government funds had been allocated for 10 roads during his previous tenure, only one was completed.
‘With my experience and exposure, including benchmarking in other countries, I know how to follow up these projects and ensure they are delivered properly,’ he said.
Mr Asuman Dhabasadha of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), a former Iganga Central Division chairperson, is making his second attempt at the mayoral seat after losing in 2021. His campaign focuses on infrastructure, education, health and skills development. ‘Iganga has only about five tarmacked roads.
The central business area has potholes, poor sanitation and inadequate lighting. This must change,’ he said. On education, Mr Dhabasadha pointed out that the municipality’s two sub-counties share just one secondary school. He pledged to lobby for at least two seed secondary schools and a Health Centre IV to improve access to essential services. He also promised to support women through government programmes such as the Parish Development Model and to establish a skills training centre.
National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Nasser Kongola, a relative newcomer to local politics, has based his campaign on infrastructure upgrades and skills development. He said his international exposure would help him lobby effectively for Iganga.
‘I will improve roads, street lights and sanitation, and roll out skilling programmes to empower residents,’ Mr Kongola said, adding that he would build on projects initiated by the outgoing administration to ensure continuity.
FDC candidate The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) flag bearer, Mr Sowedi Maganda, a municipal councillor and former deputy speaker, said his experience in local government positions him well to deliver better services. He also serves as FDC secretary-general for Iganga District. ‘I understand how this municipality works and where the gaps are. People should trust me to ensure they benefit,’ he said. Mr Maganda pledged to strengthen service delivery, ensure effective implementation of the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) programme, and protect municipal assets from mismanagement. ‘Municipal land and properties must be safeguarded for public benefit,’ he said.
Independent candidate Enock Ndhazuula, who has spent over 16 years in local government as a councillor, committee chair and deputy mayor, said his priority is economic transformation. He plans to modernise the main market, expand the municipality to accommodate industrial parks and sports facilities, and lobby for inclusion in USMID.
‘Our young people are our greatest resource. Creating jobs through industrial parks will turn idle hands into productive contributors,’ he said, adding that his long-standing relationships with government institutions would help attract support. Mr Musa Sengooba, the current municipal speaker, said he would focus on infrastructure, sanitation and urban management. He pledged to improve roads, health services and street lighting, and to enforce cleanliness by addressing the issue of roaming livestock.
‘We must plan and manage Iganga as a modern, organised city,’ he said. Mr Mivule Grace of the Common Man’s Party said infrastructure safety is his top concern. He proposed constructing pedestrian flyovers at accident-prone spots, including Nakavule Hospital on the Jinja-Iganga Highway and Kigobero along Saza Road.
‘Too many people are knocked while crossing the road. A flyover will save lives,’ said Mr Mivule, a businessman, who promised practical, safety-focused leadership. Veteran councillor Khalifan Taibu (Independent), with 15 years of experience, said he would prioritise accountability, waste management and revenue reform.
He pledged to eliminate illegal tax collectors, improve garbage collection, revive education standards and recover public land allegedly sold fraudulently. ‘If elected, darkness, garbage and illegal taxation will be dealt with decisively,’ he said. Another independent candidate, Mr Katumba Micheal Esagala, a teacher and banker, said his campaign centres on service delivery, particularly sanitation, street lighting, education and economic empowerment. He pledged to support youth and women through Saccos and to professionalise tax collection.
‘Garbage management and security are urgent. Better lighting will also help curb theft,’ he said.
Mr Fred Sebata said persistent disunity among leaders has held Iganga back. He pledged to prioritise unity, infrastructure development and community engagement. ‘This municipality has some of the worst roads in the region. We must work together to fix them,’ he said, adding that he would support municipal expansion. Independent candidate and boda boda rider Kaziba Umar Wagoodo said Iganga attained municipal status before it was fully prepared.
He promised to improve urban planning, protect land rights and lobby for street lighting. ‘People must understand road reserves and land ownership to avoid congestion and land grabbing,’ he said. According to the Iganga District returning officer, Ms Nekesa Assey, other candidates in the race are Mr Mugonzi Wilberforce Wagoina, Mr Kisambira Abubakar, Mr Ngobi Paul and Mr Mawanda James Keith, all independents, who have also pledged to improve service delivery, infrastructure and governance if elected.