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Jemimah Buhanda attending the district roads committee meeting recently
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By Bruno Mugizi
Sheema
In 2021, Tumwijukye Jemimah Buhanda was elected Sheema’s first female LC5 Chairperson — and the first female LC5 Chairperson in the entire Ankole sub-region. Since taking office, she has broken barriers, promoted unity across religious divides, and cleaned up recruitment processes in the district.
She has worked to unite people of different faiths, encouraged education for all children — including those from Muslim communities — and focused on fair service delivery throughout the district.
In the 2020 NRM primaries, Buhanda defeated three male contenders to secure the party flag. She garnered 25,250 votes, ahead of Laban Muhabwe, a retired senior police commissioner (20,212), David Kabigumira, the then-sitting LC5 Chairperson (11,509), and Eldard Mwesigye (9,967). She later ran unopposed in the 2021 general elections.
Jemimah Buhanda donating a wheel to a disabled person in Kitagata Sub-county
Breaking religious barriers
Sheema District had long been accused of electing leaders along religious lines. In 2019, while meeting with some district leaders, the President criticized Sheema’s leadership culture for favoring leaders of certain faiths while marginalizing others, calling for inclusivity and fair representation.
Buhanda, a staunch Anglican and head of laity at Kyabanda Parish Church of Uganda under Kabwohe Archdeaconry, took this message seriously and made religious unity one of her top priorities.
“I have always invited all religious leaders — Anglicans, Catholics, Muslims, and Born‑Again Christians — for joint prayers at the district,” she said.
Under her leadership, government services have been extended equally to schools and institutions belonging to all faiths.
Inclusive education support
She has been a strong advocate for inclusive education for children with disabilities. Under her leadership, the district has established dedicated learning centres at Kagazi Primary School, Ishekye Unit for the Handicapped, Bugongi Central School, St. Charles Lwanga High School Kashekuro, and St. John’s Secondary School Nyabwina. Here, children with special needs receive proper support, education, and mentorship.
Advocating education for muslim children
Buhanda has consistently urged Muslim families to prioritize education for their children.
“Education is for everyone. I always tell our Muslim brothers and sisters not to leave their children behind. They should go to school like others,” she emphasized during a recent district council session.
Ending job selling
The district service commission previously had a reputation for selling jobs — a practice Buhanda moved swiftly to end. “Jobs are now given on merit. We are promoting fairness and fighting corruption,” she noted.
Jemimah Buhanda addressing christians at Mushanga Catholic parish recently
Equitable service delivery
Having previously served as Deputy Speaker for the then Bushenyi District, Buhanda brought valuable experience to her leadership role. She says this helped her plan and distribute district resources fairly.
“I have made sure that every constituency and sub-county shares in the district budget. We have built schools and roads and provided clean water in all parts of Sheema without discrimination,” she said.
She also praised the district’s effective use of the one billion shillings received annually from the central government for road maintenance. “Our roads are now passable. People can transport their produce to the markets,” she added.
Health centres, schools, and infrastructureprojects
Working hand-in-hand with Members of Parliament, the district has completed several key health and education projects. These include:
The district also constructed Kigarama Seed Secondary School, with the construction of Kasaana Seed Secondary School scheduled to begin in the upcoming financial year.
In addition, the district has embarked on constructing a 100-office district headquarters block, a project expected to improve administrative services and boost efficiency.
Promoting peaceful leadership
Buhanda has also helped minimize conflicts between the district council and technocrats — an issue that once overshadowed service delivery in Sheema.
“I thank God that Sheema District is now in the news for service delivery,” she said.
“Before I came in, journalists would attend council sessions knowing there would be fights. The Chairperson would be at loggerheads with the Speaker, and when a council is in constant conflict, it can’t deliver services. But today, we hold peaceful, constructive sessions and represent our people with unity. That’s how we’ve been able to serve them better.”
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