Entebbe Municipality Mayor Fabrice Brad Rulinda has been sworn in for a second term alongside an unprecedented council composed entirely of ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) councillors, a political sweep that has sparked heated debate over accountability and institutional checks and balances.
All 15 elected councillors in the newly inaugurated council belong to the NRM. This absolute majority marks a significant shift in Entebbe’s political landscape, an urban centre historically known for highly competitive multi-party politics.
Mr Rulinda and the NRM councillors took their oaths of office during a modest ceremony held at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC). The venue was temporarily shifted due to ongoing renovation works at the municipal headquarters.
The NRM’s clean sweep signals the party’s growing influence in urban centres, which have traditionally leaned toward the opposition or independent candidates. Mr Rulinda secured his mayoral seat after polling 6,704 votes, comfortably defeating independent candidate Michael Kabwama, who garnered 2,746 votes.
The complete absence of opposition voices has raised red flags among local political actors, civil society, and former leaders. Opponents warn that without dissenting views to scrutinise budgets, procurement, and municipal projects, the new council risks becoming a mere rubber stamp for the executive.
Political analysts note that opposition representation in local councils plays a vital role in monitoring public expenditure and ensuring transparency. However, some observers counter that the outcome reflects a shifting voter preference for service delivery over partisan gridlock.
Speaking shortly after taking his oath, Mayor Rulinda acknowledged the immense pressure that comes with an all-NRM chamber, admitting that the public’s expectations are higher than ever.
‘The people of Entebbe really trusted us. The outcome of the election was amazing,” Mr Rulinda said. “We don’t take it for granted and we want to serve and deliver for them. But it’s also a challenge because now all eyes are on us. For the councillors, I expect extreme work because we have to prove that the trust the people gave the NRM was deserved.’
Mr Rulinda outlined his administration’s immediate agenda, promising to fast-track urban development projects that stalled during the previous term.
During the council’s first sitting, Mr George William Tamuzadde, the councillor representing older persons, was elected Speaker of Council, while Mr Ibrahim Mwagalwa was voted Deputy Speaker. The duo will now guide a house where consensus is guaranteed, but public scrutiny remains at an all-time high.