Concerns are growing over the future of service delivery in Mpigi District following the formation of a new political leadership team that has exposed deep partisan divisions within the district council.
The concerns come days after the district chairperson, Mr Peter Kawuki, unveiled his long-awaited District Executive Committee, ending weeks of speculation that followed his decision to delay appointments after taking office.
Mr Kawuki, a member of the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party, had postponed naming his executive team shortly after councillors elected ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) members to the positions of speaker and deputy speaker, citing the need for wider consultations and consensus-building.
The delay had sparked debate among political observers, some of whom warned that prolonged uncertainty could affect the functioning of district committees and slow implementation of government programmes. However, the eventual appointments have done little to calm political tensions.
Under the new arrangement, Mr Frank Vicky Kawooya, an NRM councillor representing older persons, was appointed district vice chairperson. The three executive secretary positions were allocated to NUP councillors.
That include Mr Ronald Kaggwa Kibirige, the Kammengo Sub-county councillor and former speaker candidate, for finance, planning and administration.
Ms Cossy Nakabazzi, the female councillor for Buwama Town Council, was named secretary for works, production and technical services, while Mr Musa Bukenya, a councillor representing Mpigi Town Council, was appointed secretary for social and community-based services.
The appointments have effectively created a power-sharing arrangement at the top of the district leadership, with NRM controlling the speakership and deputy speakership while NUP dominates the executive arm.
Yet the appointment of Mr Kawooya as vice chairperson generated heated debate on several Mpigi-based WhatsApp groups, where some NUP supporters questioned why a district chairperson elected on the Opposition ticket would elevate a senior NRM cadre to one of the most influential positions in the district.
They argued that the move could weaken NUP’s political influence within the district administration and raised concerns about potential conflicts in implementing the party’s political agenda.
Others, however, viewed the appointment as a pragmatic attempt to bridge political divisions in a council where NRM enjoys an overwhelming numerical advantage.
Defending the decision, Mpigi District Woman Member of Parliament Teddy Nambooze said Mr Kawuki’s move should be understood in the context of governance rather than partisan competition.
“Kawuki wanted to smoothen his operations by bringing together leaders from different political parties to work together for the development of Mpigi. Leadership is about serving the people, not fighting political battles every day,” she said.
Political analysts warn that the balancing in appointing executive members by Mr Kawuka could either promote inclusiveness or trigger prolonged political rivalry that may ultimately affect service delivery.
Mr Hamza Kalyango, a political analyst, said the composition of the executive reflected the political realities facing the district chairperson.
“Mr Kawuki is leading a district where his party is a minority in council. Any major policy proposal or programme implementation will require cooperation from councillors belonging to another political camp. That creates both opportunities and risks,” he said.
According to the district council composition, NRM holds 19 of the 26 council seats, while NUP has only seven councillors.
The imbalance has already manifested itself in the formation of standing committees, where NUP reportedly secured only one committee chairmanship despite controlling the district chairperson’s office.
Political observers argue that such numbers could make it difficult for the executive to push through its agenda if relations between the two parties deteriorate.
Sheikh Taimia Kamyuka, another political analyst, said the challenge before the new leadership would be balancing political interests with public expectations.
“The electorate will judge leaders based on roads, health services, education and revenue collection, not political victories. If political disagreements dominate council business, service delivery will inevitably suffer,” he said.
Some NRM leaders have already questioned whether the executive appointments adequately reflect the numerical strength of their party in council.
Others, however, argue that the chairperson was within his mandate to appoint individuals he believes can effectively implement his agenda.
In an interview recently, Mr Kawuki defended his leadership approach, saying his administration would prioritise competence, accountability and service delivery over partisan considerations.
The chairperson has pledged to tackle corruption, improve supervision of public servants and strengthen accountability in the management of local revenue.
He has also announced plans for monthly outreach visits to sub-counties through a mobile office programme intended to bring district leaders closer to communities.
Despite those commitments, some residents remain cautious, saying political cooperation among leaders will be critical if campaign promises are to be fulfilled.
Mr Hannington Lumala, a resident of Mpigi Town Council, said leaders should focus on addressing poor roads and youth unemployment instead of engaging in political battles.
“We elected them to solve our problems. What matters now is service delivery, not which party controls which office,” he said.
Ms Teddy Nakyazze, a resident of Kayabwe Town Council, called for improvements in health and education services, citing persistent shortages of medicines and staff in government facilities.
The new district leadership assumed office at a time when residents are demanding better roads, improved healthcare services, enhanced education standards and greater accountability in public expenditure.