When Masaka District Rejected Ssekandi’s Land Offer, Opted for Centralized Nkuke Location for Headquarters

Masaka, Uganda – The elevation of Masaka Town Council to city status in 2021 heralded significant administrative changes, including the necessity for Masaka District to relocate its headquarters outside the newly formed Masaka City. In a gesture widely lauded for its goodwill, former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi offered 10 acres of land in Kyannamukaaka Sub-county to the district in September 2023, providing a potential site for the new administrative headquarters.

However, despite Ssekandi’s notable contribution, Masaka District councillors, when presented with the matter for deliberation and voting, rejected Kyannamukaaka in favor of Nkuke, arguing that the latter’s central location would ensure easier accessibility for all residents. This decision has drawn public interest, not only for its implications on the district’s development but also for the political dynamics surrounding the land offer.

Ssekandi’s Gesture and Its Significance

The land donation by Ssekandi was seen as a continuation of his legacy of measured and thoughtful public service. Known for his deliberate avoidance of political confrontation, Ssekandi’s decision to donate land was viewed as an effort to facilitate development and offer a solution to an administrative dilemma. His career, spanning roles as Speaker of Parliament and Vice President, has been marked by an ability to align himself with national priorities while carefully steering clear of antagonizing President Yoweri Museveni.

Political observers note that Ssekandi’s leadership style, characterized by diplomacy and a firm grasp of consensus-building, positioned him as a respected figure in Uganda’s political landscape. His land donation to Masaka District was consistent with his approach of contributing to national development without controversy. Ssekandi is popularly remembered by his catch phrase Luganda statement “Nze simala googera”

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Councillors Favor Nkuke Over Kyannamukaaka

Despite Ssekandi’s goodwill, councillors emphasized the logistical and practical needs of the district in determining the headquarters’ location. Nkuke, located in the central part of Masaka District, was favored for its accessibility and its potential to serve a larger population more equitably.

“While we appreciate the former Vice President’s offer, our duty is to ensure that district services are accessible to all residents, and Nkuke is more centrally located,” said one councillor during the debate.

The rejection of Kyannamukaaka does not diminish the value of Ssekandi’s offer but highlights the competing priorities in administrative planning.

The Broader Implications

The councillors’ decision reflects the broader challenge of balancing goodwill gestures with pragmatic governance. It underscores the need for local governments to prioritize inclusivity and service delivery over symbolic gestures. Moreover, it opens the door to questions about how to best utilize the land offered by Ssekandi, which remains a valuable asset for the district.

For Ssekandi, the episode reinforces his legacy as a leader committed to the development of his home region. His non-confrontational political stance, deeply rooted in his loyalty to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Museveni, has ensured that his contributions to public service are largely viewed positively, even when his proposals, such as the Kyannamukaaka land offer, are not adopted.

Looking Ahead

As Masaka District prepares to establish its headquarters in Nkuke, attention now shifts to the future use of Ssekandi’s land in Kyannamukaaka. Some stakeholders have proposed using it for other developmental projects, such as schools or healthcare facilities, ensuring that the land continues to benefit the community.

This decision represents the evolving dynamics of leadership and governance in Uganda’s new cities and districts. While Ssekandi’s donation might not have met its original objective, it symbolizes a gesture of unity and development that will likely find other avenues for impact in Masaka District.