Kampala Deputy mayor calls for unity in first Makindye meeting

Kampala‘s Deputy Lord Mayor Hajjat Sarah Kanyike has cautioned against politicking,  urging Councillors  to concentrate on delivering service.

Kanyike congratulated Kampala Councillors on their successful elections and high level of maturity exhibited. This was at a meeting Tuesday at Mt. Zion Hotel.

She however castigated some from Makindye for perpetuating division.

“After selecting the deputy Mayor at Makindye Division, with 23 in agreement and 21 against the appointment, they moved out of the authority meeting,” Kanyike said . “Differences are part of life but resolutions are key; strive for unity and settle any grievances if any.”

At the meeting, the Councillors seconded Deputy Mayor Kampala Central Division Sam Gombya‘s appointment by Mayor Charles Sserunjjonji. Gombya represents Men under People with Disabilities (PWD).

Sserunjjonji revealed that  “I chose Gombya so that minority groups can be well represented and execute their capabilities for the good of the people. We shall make it a point to render our services to the people by promoting peace and have collaborations with Nairobi and Ankara in Turkey.”

“Any technical persons involved in corruption tendencies at his office will be shown the exit. I don’t expect any charges on minor works that require his approval like stamps,” Sserunjoji warned.

Councillors sensitized on tobacco

At the end of the Councillors meeting, the Uganda Health Communication Alliance (UHCA) was invited to sensitize them on tobacco awareness.

Charles Wendo, chairperson UHCA addressed the councillors on how best to fight tobacco use in communities and to comply with legislation related to their use.

He outlined some of the prohibited areas where smoking is banned inside and 50 meters outside  hotels, educational Institutions, hospitals, places of worship, court, prisons and restaurants. Also any advertisement, sales and, promotions and sponsorship by tobacco selling companies is illegal.

Wendo advised against involving children in cultivating tobacco because they could easily suffer from diseases. He said it only makes economic sense to cultivate other crops, as there are many alternative crops which have high value compared to tobacco.

According to reports from the Ministry of Health, 13,000 people die annually due to tobacco. Of these,  6,000 are non smokers who inhale tobacco. Tobacco products include Kubar, Shisha and chocolate tobacco.  Wendo explained how an hour spent inhaling shisha is equivalent to inhaling 100 cigarettes.

The Tobacco Control Law was assented to by the President Museveni Yoweri in October last year and it took effect on May 19.