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Jemimah with her supporters after nomination
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Political Desk
By Our Reporter
Sheema - Incumbent Sheema District LC5 Chairperson, Jemimah Tumwijukye Buhanda, was on Thursday nominated by Returning Officer Pius Ahimbisibwe to contest for another term of office. Buhanda, who is seeking re-election, was accompanied by local leaders including Mohamad Musisi, Kitagata Sub-county Councillor and Secretary for Works and Natural Resources, and Jackson Musinguzi, Councillor representing Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Their presence was viewed as a sign of unity within the district council.
Speaking after her nomination, Buhanda pledged to continue delivering services to the people of Sheema.
“I will continue working for the betterment of the district,” she said.
Jemimah Tumwijukye Buhanda a waiting her nomination
Breaking Religious Barriers
For years, Sheema District faced criticism for electing leaders along religious lines. In 2019, President Museveni cautioned leaders against the practice, urging inclusivity and fairness. Buhanda, a staunch Anglican and head of laity at Kyabanda Parish Church of Uganda, embraced the call. She prioritized religious unity by regularly inviting Anglicans, Catholics, Muslims, and Born-Again Christians for joint prayers at the district. Under her leadership, government services have been extended equally to schools and institutions across all faiths.
Education and Inclusivity
Buhanda has been a strong advocate for inclusive education, particularly for children with disabilities. Her leadership has facilitated the establishment of 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
She has also encouraged 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 stressed during a recent council session.
Equitable Service Delivery
With prior experience as Deputy Speaker of Bushenyi District, Buhanda brought strong planning and resource distribution skills to Sheema. She emphasized fair allocation of the district budget across all constituencies.
“We have built schools and roads and provided clean water in all parts of Sheema without discrimination,” she said. She praised the effective use of the one billion shillings the district receives annually from the central government for road maintenance, noting that improved road networks now enable farmers to transport produce more easily to markets.
Health, schools, and Infrastructure
Working closely with Members of Parliament, Buhanda’s administration has completed several key health and education projects, including:
The district also built Kigarama Seed Secondary School, while construction of Kasaana Seed Secondary School is set to begin in the next financial year. In addition, the district has embarked on constructing a 100-office district headquarters block, expected to improve administrative services and efficiency.
Promoting Peaceful Leadership
Buhanda is credited with fostering harmony between the district council and technocrats, reducing conflicts that once hindered service delivery. She reclaimed the NRM party flag after defeating Steven Atukwase Kabaringo, Winfred Kabarokole, and Edgar Mukundane, securing 26,858 votes, representing 48.41%.
Widely regarded as a unifier, Buhanda has worked to bridge divisions across Sheema, ensuring fair and inclusive service delivery to all corners of the district.
Torch Media Africa
