Wakiso Leaders Urge New Elderly and PWD Councils to Focus on Service Delivery

Newly sworn-in members of the Wakiso District Councils for Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have been challenged to turn their campaign promises into tangible actions that improve the welfare of their constituents. The call was emphasized during the swearing-in ceremony for the 2026–2031 political term held at the district headquarters.

Patrick Menya, the Assistant Commissioner for Elderly Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, told the leaders that the electoral period had concluded, shifting the focus entirely to accountability and service delivery. Menya advised the councils to utilize advocacy and lobbying even with limited budgets, while collaborating with local village and parish structures to gather accurate demographic data. Reliable figures are deemed essential to help district planners and administrators properly allocate resources, especially given that some community groups previously contested the 2024 National Population and Housing Census figures.

Local leaders also raised concerns regarding the vulnerability of elderly residents to land grabbing, prompting calls for Resident District Commissioners to intervene swiftly in land disputes. Furthermore, officials cautioned politicians against interfering with the daily duties of technical staff, stressing the need for mutual respect and cooperation to enhance public service delivery.

Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Annet Ssesanga highlighted the importance of inclusive public infrastructure, advocating for accessible buildings featuring ramps, specialized public toilets, and priority services at commercial institutions like banks. District leaders, including Deputy LCV Chairperson Edward Ssentalo Musambwa and Assistant RDC Muwanga Lutaaya, encouraged the councils to mobilize marginalized groups to actively participate in government poverty-alleviation initiatives.

Representatives for the interest groups voiced strong expectations for the new term. District Elderly Council Chairperson Daudi Byekwaso Mukiibi reminded stakeholders that everyone is a candidate for aging and disability, urging fair treatment in resource distribution. Meanwhile, female PWD representative Mazzi Nakayenga noted that Wakiso hosts over 60,000 people with disabilities, calling for budget increments that accurately reflect their needs. The newly inaugurated councils are expected to champion inclusion, rights, and socioeconomic welfare throughout their tenure.

Read more about this story on Nile Post.