Mukono Bids Farewell to Former Mayor Charles Ssemanda in a special council seating.

Mukono Municipal Council has bid farewell to the late Hon. Charles Ssemanda, a former mayor and chairperson of Mukono Town Council, during a special council sitting held to honour his life, leadership and contribution to the development of Mukono. Leaders described Ssemanda as a dedicated and visionary public servant who played a key role in laying the foundation for Mukono’s transformation into a planned urban center.

Mukono Municipal Council has paid tribute to the late Hon. Charles Ssemanda, a former mayor and chairperson of Mukono Town Council, describing him as one of the leaders who laid an important foundation for the physical and institutional development of Mukono Municipality.

The tribute was made during a special council sitting held to honour Ssemanda’s contribution to Mukono’s transformation from a small trading centre into a growing urban centre.

Speaking at the sitting, Mr. George Fred Kagimu, Mayor Emeritus of Mukono Municipality, thanked the council for honouring the late Ssemanda, saying his contribution to Mukono’s physical development remains significant.

Kagimu said Ssemanda was among the leaders who participated in the formulation of early development plans for Mukono Town Council, including plans for roads, walkways, market areas and other urban infrastructure.

“They laid a foundation for this, although most of the plans were not implemented during their regime,” Kagimu said.

The current Mayor of Mukono Municipality, His Worship Robert Kabanda, also commended political leaders for attending the special sitting and recognising Ssemanda’s contribution to the municipality.

Kabanda described the late Ssemanda as an honest and exemplary leader who planned for Mukono and worked with leaders across political differences.

Mukono Deputy Town Clerk Mr. Moses Magemeso described Ssemanda as a “foundation stone” in Mukono’s urban development journey.

He said Mukono did not become a municipality by accident but was built through the efforts and sacrifices of leaders who envisioned its transformation.

According to Magemeso, Ssemanda championed the opening and upgrading of roads, improvement of access roads, establishment of Kame Valley Market, and development of town council headquarters and strengthening of Mukono’s urban administration.

He also credited Ssemanda with promoting local revenue mobilisation and self-reliance, including efforts to strengthen street-level revenue collection, which helped the town council finance its activities.

Magemeso said Ssemanda’s leadership contributed to Mukono’s progression from a town board to town council status and eventually municipality status, while also supporting urban planning and institutional development.

The late Charles Ssemanda began his involvement in Mukono's public service in the early 1970s, initially working in the works department as a storekeeper.

He later joined active politics and served at a time when the administration of the area was undergoing major political and administrative changes.

He eventually became a prominent local government leader, serving as chairperson of Mukono Town Council, covering what is now Mukono Central Division and the wider municipal area.

During his tenure, he was associated with efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, improve administrative facilities, promote urban planning and develop a capable technical team to support the town's growth.

Mukono Resident District Commissioner Hajjat Fatuma Ndisaba Nabittaka praised the late Ssemanda for serving without what she described as selfish interests.

She urged current political leaders to emulate his example by entering public service with the interests of their communities at heart rather than using leadership for personal gain.

The RDC also recognised Ssemanda’s wife for standing by him throughout his public service journey, including during difficult periods of his political career.

Ndisaba further called on leaders and communities to protect and preserve the legacy of leaders who sacrifice themselves for community development, saying their families should also be encouraged to continue contributing to public service.

She described Ssemanda as a leader who represented the qualities expected of a mayor and commanded respect within the community.

During her remarks, the RDC also raised concerns about Uganda’s electoral processes at village level, calling for consideration of reforms to the way local elections are conducted.

She questioned whether, after decades of investment in universal primary education, voters at village level should still be required to line up behind candidates instead of using secret ballots. She argued that secret voting could reduce tensions and protect voters from social pressure and hostility.

The special council sitting brought together political and technical leaders to remember a man whose public service was closely connected to Mukono’s transition and urban development.

For current leaders, the tributes served as a reminder of the importance of long-term planning, integrity, local revenue mobilisation and service to the community.

The late Hon. Charles Ssemanda is expected to be laid to rest tomorrow at Katuba, Namayuba, Nakisunga Sub-county, Mukono District.