Rukungiri: Joel Gumisiriza has officially been sworn in as the first National Resistance Movement (NRM) LC3 Chairperson of Southern Division in Rukungiri Municipality, marking a major political shift in an area that has long been dominated by the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
Since the creation of Southern Division, the division had been under FDC leadership, with Alban Kiconco serving from 2010 to 2021, followed by Dennis Ngabirano from 2021 to 2026.
The swearing-in ceremony was held on May 19, at the Southern Division offices and was attended by councilors, municipal officials, and residents.
After taking the oath of office, Gumisiriza was officially handed the instruments of power, including office stamps, keys to division property, and a motorcycle registration number UG 5457R, among other official items to facilitate his duties as LC3 Chairperson.
The Deputy Town Clerk of Rukungiri Municipality, Justus Ampiire, presided over the election of the Speaker from the 15 sworn-in councilors. Judith Nuwaine, the female councilor representing Ndorero Ward, contested against Edwin Kanyesigye, the youth councilor.
Following the vote, Judith Nuwaine was declared Speaker of Southern Division after securing 11 votes against Kanyesigye’s 4 votes. She later took the oath of office to officially assume her role.
Rogers Mugisha, the area councilor for Rwakabengo Ward, was directly elected Deputy Speaker of the division council.
Chairperson Gumisiriza also appointed Annet Nuwamanya Aturinda as Vice Chairperson, Fred Kategaya as Secretary for Finance, and Patrick Kasibayo as Secretary for Works. A five-member committee was also constituted during the sitting.
Speaking during the ceremony, Deputy Town Clerk Justus Ampiire urged all elected leaders to embrace unity, cooperation, and teamwork in order to improve service delivery and foster development in Southern Division.
