By Masejele Sulaiman
Leaders of Mbale Northern City Division officially took oath of office on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, during a colorful ceremony held at Namakwekwe Social Centre.
A total of 58 councilors from different wards were sworn in alongside Mayor George Mwanika, who began his second term in office. Shortly after taking the oath, Mwanika unveiled his executive committee, which was later approved during the division’s first council sitting.
Mwanika retained his seat after defeating six challengers in a landslide victory, polling 10,838 votes. He will now lead the division for the next five years.
During the inaugural council meeting, Yusuf Muhuba, councilor representing IUIU Nkoma Ward, was elected Speaker of the Division Council unopposed. Abdul Rahuman Khiisa of Kireka-Nakaloke was elected Deputy Speaker after defeating Mujonji Farauk by 33 votes to 23. The exercise was supervised by Mbale City Returning Officer Michael Arinaitwe.
Mwanika appointed Tomasi Waguma, councilor representing Kasajja-Nakaloke, as Deputy Mayor. Other members of the executive committee include Mutwalib Mafabi of Bulweta-Bukonde as Secretary for Finance, Aisha Ssekitoleko of Namayonyi Aisha Ward as Secretary for Social Services, and David Yakiya of Doko Ward as Secretary for Works. The council unanimously approved the appointments.
While addressing the gathering, the Guest of Honor and Mbale Resident City Commissioner, George William Wopuwa, congratulated the newly sworn-in leaders and urged them to serve the people diligently.
Wopuwa called upon the leaders to protect government land from encroachers and land grabbers, noting that land disputes have become increasingly common in Northern Division, with several cases already before the courts. He also encouraged the leaders to respect one another and work together to improve service delivery across the division.
“I thank the people of Northern Division for supporting President Museveni, who received 73 percent of the vote here. Leaders should now focus on improving service delivery so that our people can benefit,” Wopuwa said.
Speaking at the event, Mbale City Clerk Abirebe Assy Tumwesigire revealed that the city administration plans to organize an induction program aimed at helping councilors better understand their roles and responsibilities.
“Your welcome to Leadership of Mbale City, Northern Division is part and pastle of Mbale City and as city Clerk, I promise to work with you so well and my work to give support,” Abirebe said.
Tumwesigire said the city was prepared to use council funds to facilitate operations in the event of delays in the release of funds from the central government. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining a proper dress code among council members to promote order and professionalism during council sessions.
He pledged full support to the newly elected leaders and expressed optimism that teamwork would accelerate the development of Northern Division.
Meanwhile, Bumuluya Councilor Hon. Ibrahim Masaba welcomed the new leadership structure, saying it reflects a balance of power. He urged fellow councilors to fulfill the promises they made to voters during the campaigns and maintain close cooperation with the communities they represent.