JohnMary Sebuwufu has emerged victorious in a closely fought and politically charged contest for Speaker of the Kampala Capital City Authority Council, narrowly defeating independent contender Ali Kalule in a vote that exposed underlying tensions within City Hall.
The election, presided over by Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa, delivered a slim but decisive outcome, with Sebuwufu polling 18 votes against Kalule’s 16, while one ballot was invalidated, underscoring just how finely balanced the race had become.
He takes over from Zahara Luyirika, who exited the council after securing the Makindye West parliamentary seat, setting the stage for a contest that quickly evolved into a test of influence and alliances within the authority.
The sitting opened with visible friction, as councillors clashed with the presiding magistrate over a directive to put away mobile phones during the voting process. The order drew resistance, particularly from National Unity Platform aligned councillors, who viewed it with suspicion.
A compromise allowing phones to be placed aside but kept within sight eventually diffused the standoff, paving the way for the vote to proceed.
In a move that signaled shifting political currents, Luyombya, previously defeated in the NUP primaries, stepped forward to nominate Sebuwufu, a gesture that hinted at quiet realignments within opposition ranks. The nomination was swiftly seconded, further consolidating his bid.
Both candidates formally accepted their nominations and addressed the council briefly before voting commenced under a secret ballot system, with councillors casting their votes one at a time.
Drama resurfaced during the tallying process when five ballots were initially rejected over spelling inconsistencies and incomplete entries, briefly casting doubt over the integrity of the count. However, a review of voter intent saw four of the ballots reinstated, leaving only one invalid vote.
As the final result was declared, the chamber erupted into celebration, with NUP-affiliated councillors lifting Sebuwufu in a symbolic show of triumph, framing his victory as a turning point for the council’s direction.
Sebuwufu’s ascent comes against the backdrop of recent legal troubles that have shadowed his political journey. He was granted bail on March 24, 2026, after a stint on remand at Luzira Prison on charges of inciting violence, adding a layer of controversy to his rise.
Despite this, he was sworn in earlier this week as Nakawa West Lord Councillor for the 2026 to 2031 term, clearing the path for his swift elevation to the speakership.
Now at the helm of the council, Sebuwufu assumes office at a critical moment, with KCCA facing internal divisions, political maneuvering, and growing public pressure to improve service delivery in the capital.
