Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago on Thursday appointed Democratic Party and Makindye East councilor Sarah Kanyike as his deputy during the council’s first meeting.
At around 10:30m,Lukwago who was making his first step to the council hall after almost 3 years was led by the Sergeant at arms before being ushered onto his helm.
Immediately after anthems and reading the agenda, Lukwago cited section 9 of the KCCA act before proposing Kanyike as his deputy and forwarded it to the council for approval.
“The Act gives me power to choose only one person as deputy Lord Mayor from the councilors. I have looked around and taken the decision to choose Sarah Kanyike amongst my friends as my Deputy and the name is before you to approve,” Lukwago said to the KCCA council that included among others Deputy Executive Director Judith Tumusiime.
Kanyike’s name was later seconded by councilors Bruhan Byaruhanga (Kyambogo University), Muhammed Seggirinya (Kawempe) and Dawudi Lwanga (Kamwokya) before he was led through the oath of allegiance by the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Jameson Kalemaani.
In her acceptance speech, Kanyike applauded Lukwago for entrusting her with power to deputize him – pledging to be loyal and diligent in her service.
The former KCCA council speaker however lashed at the Executive Director Jenifer Musisi, urging her to end the power struggles that have rocked City Hall for the last 3 years since Lukwago’s ouster.
“I wish to implore the Executive Director that both the technical wing she leads and the political side led by the Lord Mayor work harmoniously for the benefit of the people of Kampala and Uganda at large,” Kanyike urged.
Kanyike exchanges pleasantries with Lukwago at the function in Kampala
“The people of Kampala voted us into power and she should know everyone is supposed is mandated to ensure the city gets the best. Both politicians and the technicians should at all time be open -minded and work as partners.”
In his speech to the council, the Lord Mayor said it was a historic moment to witness the re-opening of the chambers that have been out of bounds for over years.
“We should spare some time to address our minds to the root cause of the controversies that brought about the above stalemate,” he argued, adding that the rule of law is the foundation for stability.
The council later appointed 10 councilors to head the respective committees and among those appointed included Doreen Nyanjura (revenue), Fatuma Nsereko (Internal Audit), Zumin Nsibambi (Gender and Community Services), Bruhan Byaruhanga (Legal Affairs), Abubaker Kawalya (Physical Planning), Ismael Ddamba(Education and Social Services),Michael Wamala(Treasury),Kennedy Okello(Public Health) and Doreen Sabuka for Administration and Human Resource.