By Brian Mugenyi
mugenyijj@gmail.com
Former Vice President and former Speaker of Parliament Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi has challenged newly elected leaders in Masaka District to use their offices to serve the people rather than pursue personal interests.
Speaking during the official swearing-in of district leaders at Kyanamukaaka Town Council, Ssekandi reminded them that winning an election is only the beginning of a much bigger responsibility.
“Leadership is not merely about holding office,” he said. “It is a responsibility that calls for commitment, integrity, humility and dedication to public service.”
The ceremony brought together district officials, religious leaders, civil servants and residents to witness the start of a new local administration expected to oversee the implementation of government programmes and improve service delivery across the district.
Elections Are Over, Now the Work Begins
Ssekandi congratulated both the newly elected leaders and the people of Masaka for conducting peaceful elections, describing a smooth electoral process as an important sign of a healthy democracy.
However, he said elections alone are not enough.
According to him, the real test of leadership begins after the votes have been counted, when leaders are expected to deliver on the promises they made to voters.
He urged the new officials to build public confidence by demonstrating accountability, fairness and commitment to the communities that elected them.
Time to Unite
Ssekandi also appealed for unity, noting that elections naturally divide people through political competition, but those differences should end once leaders assume office.
He called on the district’s leaders to work together regardless of political affiliation and focus on the common goal of improving people’s lives.
“We must all work together for the common good of our people,” he said.
His remarks come against the backdrop of a politically competitive Masaka region, where cooperation among elected leaders will be critical in driving development and maintaining social harmony.
Deliver Better Services
The former Vice President reminded the new leaders that residents will judge them by the quality of services they provide, not by campaign speeches or political slogans.
He pointed to areas such as healthcare, education, road infrastructure, sanitation and local economic development as priorities that directly affect people’s daily lives.
“The people who elected you expect improved service delivery, accountability and visible progress in their daily lives,” Ssekandi said.
As the level of government closest to citizens, local councils have a crucial role in ensuring national programmes reach communities and produce meaningful results.
Lead With Integrity
Ssekandi urged leaders to manage public resources responsibly and uphold the highest standards of honesty and transparency throughout their terms in office.
He said public office is built on trust and that leaders must always remember they are accountable to the people they serve.
He also called for closer cooperation between political leaders, technical staff, religious institutions and local communities, saying sustainable development can only be achieved through collective effort.
High Expectations
With their terms now underway, Masaka’s new leaders face growing expectations from residents eager to see improvements in public services and local development.
For many citizens, success will not be measured by political rhetoric but by better schools, improved health facilities, reliable roads and transparent leadership.
Ssekandi left the new administration with a message that summed up his address: leadership is temporary, but the impact of good service lasts long after leaders leave office.
He challenged them to make decisions that will improve the lives of the people who entrusted them with leadership.