Oweek. Patrick Luwaga Mugumbule, Speaker of the Buganda Lukiiko, installing Oweek Deo Kagimu as the new Ssingo County Chief
The Speaker of Buganda's Lukiiko (Parliament), Oweek. Patrick Luwaga Mugumbule, on behalf of the Katikkiro (Prime Minister), officially installed Mukwenda Deo Kagimu and his deputies in leadership positions for Ssingo County .
The ceremony was graced by Oweek. Joseph Kawuki, the Minister for Local Government, Kabaka's Tours, and Buganda's External Affairs.
“We want the County Chief and all Kabaka’s representatives to focus on productivity, free of internal conflicts, as those only lead to failure,” emphasised Oweek. Mugumbule.
This statement was part of his message to the newly installed County Chief, Deo Kagimu, and his deputies: Moses Tusuubira (First Deputy), Regina Naseremba (Second Deputy), and Jjumba Steven (Third Deputy), during the ceremony.
They were entrusted with leadership responsibilities by Ssaabasajja Kabaka to oversee Ssingo County.
Oweek. Patrick Luwaga Mugumbule delivering the Katikkiro's message
Oweek. Mugumbule warned against conflicts, explaining that they disrupt operations, weaken efficiency, and lead individuals to abandon their responsibilities.
He highlighted that installing the Kabaka’s representatives is a significant event in Buganda, as the chosen leader is tasked with upholding and protecting the throne.
These leaders are expected to understand the extent of their authority, train others, and push forward the development of the County.
He urged the leaders to work selflessly and encourage others to fulfil their roles, thus setting an example for other Counties.
Oweek. Mugumbule also emphasised the importance of treating all Kabaka’s subjects equally, regardless of religious affiliation, ethnicity, or politics, as all are Kabaka’s people.
Hon. Deo Kagimu, Mukwenda chief of Ssingo, and his deputies taking the oath of office
With Buganda continuing to advocate for federal governance (Federo), it is crucial for County leaders to demonstrate responsibility through their actions, following the traditional leadership structures within the kingdom, from County , Ggombolola (Sub County), to village levels.
This serves as a model for a well-established federal system within Buganda.
Oweek. Joseph Kawuki, the Minister for Local Government, highlighted the challenges Mukwenda and his deputies will face in maintaining Buganda’s strength.
These include combating individuals who tarnish the Kabaka’s, Katikkiro’s, and other leaders' images on social media, as well as those obstructing progress in County Ssingo. Mukwenda is expected to lead fearlessly in confronting these issues.
Mukwenda Deo Kagimu and his deputies outlined their plans for County Ssingo. These include modernizing all sub County headquarters to meet quality standards by the next Ssebaaseka (June).
Hon. Joseph Kawuuki addressing the newly appointed leaders
They have also introduced coffee nurseries for farmers to promote the "Coffee Never Fails" initiative. Additionally, they plan to build a wall around the County headquarters to prevent theft and misconduct.
To strengthen unity, they will introduce an annual "Banna Ssingo Day" to celebrate and bring together the people of Ssingo.
The County Council, led by Mukwenda, also took oaths to formalize their new roles.
The ceremony began with a Mass led by the Bishop of Kiyinda Mityana Diocese, Joseph Anthony Zziwa, who is also the Chairperson of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, alongside other religious leaders from different faiths.
Retired Mukwenda chiefs also attended the ceremony, pledging their support to Deo Kagimu in fulfilling his new duties.