Buyende, Uganda: Newly sworn-in Buyende District LCV Chairperson Sharif Mangaraine has pledged to reset what he described as “broken systems” in the district by tackling corruption, factional politics, job selling and poor service delivery.
Mangaraine made the remarks during his inaugural speech shortly after being sworn into office by Kamuli Chief Magistrate Paul Abdonson Owino on Wednesday.
The new district leadership promised to rebuild public trust and restore accountability within the district administration, saying Buyende had for years suffered from divisions, inefficiency and political infighting at the expense of development.
“Our leadership focus is on fixing gaps and resetting the system from selling jobs and politics of tokenism to leadership of integrity, accountability to the voters and equal opportunities for all,” Mangaraine said.
“We want to reset Buyende from bottom ranking in national performance to becoming one of the best and model districts.”
“Systems have been infected”
Mangaraine argued that the district’s systems had been “infected and corrupted,” leading to abandonment of social values and weakening of service delivery structures.
He said his administration would focus on restoring systems back to what he called their “original default setting” in order to achieve meaningful development.
According to the district chairperson, unity would be central to his administration’s agenda in line with the Busoga Kingdom anthem and motto advocating collective responsibility and development.
“We may disagree on approach, but we must agree on what is best for the district and our people,” he noted.
The Buyende LCV also warned individuals involved in spreading rumours, political brokerage and fueling divisions to prepare for tougher accountability.
“There are people who survive on cliques, rumours and political brokerage. This time they should be ready to defend their lies,” Mangaraine warned.
“You cannot come telling us that someone is demanding a bribe or fighting you and expect us to believe it blindly. We shall call both parties together and establish the truth.”
He further urged residents to move beyond election-related divisions and work together regardless of political affiliation.
“If you didn’t vote for Mangaraine, Babalanda or Magogo, the majority did. We must now work for the people, not personal interests,” he added.
Civil servants promise cooperation
Buyende Chief Administrative Officer Geoffrey Nkuriziza Banga welcomed the new leadership and assured the district chairperson of full cooperation from the technical team.
“When we work together, we achieve more because we complement each other. We are ready to fully cooperate in implementing lawful decisions and government programmes,” the CAO said.
The district council also elected Salim Kyebaganda as Speaker and Henry Ngobi as Deputy Speaker.
Mangaraine later named Bernadette Kumwidhirawo as Vice Chairperson, Jacob Namukobe as Secretary for Finance, Management and Administration, Jackline Namukoma as Secretary for Social Services and Robert Kazalango as Secretary for Production and Technical Services.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by several district leaders including Kamuli LCV Chairperson Kaloli Dhizaala, Kaliro LCV Elijah Kagoda and Namutumba LCV Mukisa David.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
