Mukono: The King’s hand

Satelite Beach in Mukono is a popular entertainment spot which pulls crowds from across the country. PHOTO BY Johnson Mayamba

Mukono.

Back in the day, people from Kyagwe County in Buganda Kingdom used to take their gifts direct to the Kabaka. As the population grew, it became nearly impossible as the palace got over crowded. The Kabaka thus directed the people to give the gifts to the county chief who would deliver them to him. Since then, people started referring to the county chief as the hand (Omukono) that delivered their gifts to the Kabaka hence the name of the place, as Mukono Municipality Legislator Betty Nambooze Bakileke narrates.

Located about 21km from the city centre, Mukono is part of former greater Mukono which used to comprise the current day Mukono, Buikwe, Buvuma and Kayunga districts. It has four counties which include Mukono Municipality, Mukono South, Mukono North and Nakifuuma.

The high crime rate in Mukono District is an open secret. But it is fast being handled by the police, as seen in the drop in cases being reported lately. However, Ms Nambooze remains skeptical especially since there is a huge number of youth migrating to the district especially from Kampala.

Population
Mukono has an estimated population of about 980,000 people according to the district leadership and is said to be increasing every year. Mayor Johnson Muyanja says the growth rate springs from the high level of development that has attracted people from other areas to come and settle here. They prefer it because the cost of living is still low and it is near the city.

Economic activity
With a highway from Kampala to Jinja passing through the town, you will always be welcomed with sign posts of Uganda Christian University from either side as you enter the town. The institution is one of those said to have contributed to the development of Mukono. This is because many of the businesses that have been established in the area target the university students and the people around it. Supermarkets like City Shoppers, Haji Abasi and Sombe all thrive on the presence of the students in the area. Not to forget, the boda boda cyclists dominate every place they deem fit to put a stage in a bid to provide cheap transport day and night all over the town for between Shs500 and Shs2,000 depending on the distance. There are also branches of prominent banks mainly in Mukono town.

Leisure and tourism
If you ever want to hang out while in Mukono, be rest assured you won’t lack a place to go to. The district has tourist attractions like lake Victoria, Sseziwa and Koome sactuary. Hotels such as Colline, Ridah, Jobiah, Crane Paradise and Mukono Resort in addition to clubs and bars like Casablanca, Asylum, Bar Seventy Seven, Club One, The Hive, Kisumali and not forgetting the most popular one Satelite Beach among others all packed with theme nights seven days a week and ready to give you the fun you want. Other historical sites include Ssezibwa Falls Resort, situated along River Ssezibwa, Namasole Palace Hill, situated at Ngogwe Hill. There is Ddolwe (Golola) Island on the east side of Lake Victoria in Buvuma, Nabinyonyi Islands, situated on Lake Victoria at Buyaga Subcounty towards Buvuma District. Mpunge Second War Cementary is a historical place because many people were buried there. The other is Kasirye Landing Beach in Ngogwe.

Health
Mukono District has mainly private hospitals which include Mukono Church of Uganda Hospital which just attained its new status from Health Center IV recently, Vine Medi Care Hospital, Albert Cook Hospital and St Francis Hospital, Nagalama, which is owned by the Catholic Church. This is in addition to many clinics, pharmacies and a few public Health centers within the district. In summary, Mukono district has the following , two health centre IV, 13 health centre III, 21 health centre II, 85 private clinics, 320 registered drug shops, 25 domiciliary maternity units and two hospitals.

Religious hub
One cannot talk about Mukono without the religious part of it. It hosts the offices of the Anglican Church for Mukono Diocese which cover Mukono and the neighboring districts of Kayunga, Buikwe and Buvuma with a line of schools like Bishop’s Schools where some of the big shots in the district have gone through. Mukono also has the Catholic founded Namilyago Boy’s School and Namilyago College, one of the oldest schools in Uganda. It also has St Francis Hospital, Nagalama, one of the biggest hospitals in the district. Though these are the founder religions in the area, there are other religions like Islam, Bahai, Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists and African traditional practices. Pentecostals have also taken root in the district with many churches being started in almost every village.

Uganda Christian University is located in Mukono and has over the years grown to become one of the leading providers of quality tertiary education. Because of this, Mukono Town has become a destination for many all over East Africa.

Movers and shakers of Mukono district
Gen Katumba Wamala
He is the Commander of Defence Forces, a resident of Mukono and is popular for helping the poor and for offering scholarships.

Godfrey Kyeswa owns Mukono Bakery. He is a property Mogul owning buildings like Maria’s Galleria, Transnile Link and Nakasero Complex among others in Kampala.

Justice Lameck Mukasa is head of Criminal Division in the High Court. He has contributed as an individual to a number of development projects in Mukono.

Betty Nambooze is Mukono Municipality MP known for fighting for people’s rights. She has contributed a lot by offering an ambulance and also supporting the health centres with major emphasis on women’s health.

Ronald Kibuule
is State Minister For Youth Affairs and is MP for Mukono North. His good relations with investors has enhanced development.

Johnson Ssenyonga Muyanja is the Mukono Municipality Mayor. He owns schools and sponsors students in schools and universities.

George Baguma is one of the founders of Quality Chemicals Ltd. He was the Chief Commercial Officer. Since retiring, he has set up one of the biggest distilleries in Mukono.

John Chrysostom Muyingo. is State Minister for Education. He owns Seeta High Schools (Three campuses in diefferent parts of Mukono) and a sister primary school at
Mbalala in Mukono District.

Bishop William Ssebbagala is the Anglican Bishop Mukono Diocese. He is instrumental in preaching and uniting Christians and politicians.

Bishop Livingstone Nkoyooyo
is a retired archbishop of the Anglican Church and is the founder of Uganda Christian University.

Luke Lokuda Lokwii Lokolimoi
is the Chief Administrative Officer of the district.

Bishop Matthias Sekamanya
is the Bishop of Lugazi Diocese under which Mukono district falls.

Alfred Bangambaki
is the DPC known for enforcing security by curbing iron bar hit men as well as reducing other crimes.

Rev John Senyonyi
is the Vice chancellor of Uganda Christian University in Mukono.

Ssekiboobo, Alex Kigongo
He is the Kabaka’s representative [head] of Kyagwe County.

Luke Lokuda Lokwii Lokolimoi
is the Chief Administrative Officer of the district.

Bishop Matthias Sekamanya
is the Bishop of Lugazi Diocese under which Mukono district falls.

Alfred Bangambaki
is the DPC known for enforcing security by curbing iron bar hit men as well as reducing other crimes.

Ssekiboobo, Alex Kigongo
He is the Kabaka’s representative [head] of Kyagwe County.

Madrine Numera Katumba
She owns Jobiah Hotel in Mukono Town. She is a former Deputy Mayor of Mukono Municipality and currently minister for Gender and production in the Municipality. She is instrumental in helping poor women and improving their health. She also owns various businesses.

John Fisher Kasenge is the Resident District Commissioner and has fought with land grabbers in the district.

Augustine Kasozi is the proprietor of Colline Hotel in Mukono. He is known for donating to churches and helping the needy.
Peter Bakaluba
He is the Member of Parliament representing Mukono South Constituency. He has put up various schools in the district both primary and secondary.

Henry Mugumya is the OC CIID Mukono.
Maj Moses Ssegujja is a resident of Mukono and the zonal coordinator CMI for Mukono ,Kayunga ,Buvuma and Buikwe districts.

Paul Zhang is the director of Tian Tang group which is one of the leading companies in Mukono District. He is known for employing the youth in Mukono District. This company produces products like iron bars, Mattresses, iron sheets and others for export and domestic use.

Lukoya Mukome is the LC 5 chairman Mukono district. He is known for improving Agriculture in the district.

Alfred Mukulu is the district production and marketing officer.
Elly Tumushabe is the district health officer. He has fought hard for the delivery of facilities to health centres in the district.

Herbert Lutwama is in charge of housing in Mukono district.
Albert Abong is the chief finance officer Mukono district and is responsible for the district finances.

Kigonya Deoson is the district NGO programme co-ordinator.
Joel Birigwa is the manager Jof Contractors Limited and manager of Public Passengers Transport on behalf of Mukono Municipality council.

Benard Kochieng is the manager Colline Hotel Mukono.
Sombe Muhangi is the manager SOMBE Supermarket. He is known for expanding businesses and providing employment to people in the district.

Innocent Ahimbisibwe is the Town clerk Mukono Municipality.
Martin Mugabi is the deputy RDC Mukono. He has worked hard with security agencies in fighting crime in the district.

Alfred Bangambaki
is the DPC known for enforcing security by curbing iron bar hit men as well as reducing other crimes.

Erisa Mukasa Nkoyooyo is the LC 3 Chairman, Goma Division, Mukono Municipal Council.

Jonathern Ntulume
is the director of Kwagalakwe Boarding and Primary School.

Peace Kusaasira Mubiru
is the Woman MP for Mukono she is involved in boosting Agriculture.

Jamir Kakembo
is the LC3 Chairman Mukono District

Eng Kafero Sekitoleko
is the MP Nakifuma County, he is always helping people in the his constituency to prosper through development projects

Dr Keffa Ssempangi
is one of the popular people in the district and is known for contributing to development of Mukono.

Muzzanganda Wilson Mukiibi:
is the proprietor of a chain of hotels including Christex Hotel in Nakifuma town and Boston Hotel at Nassuuti.

James Kunowa
is the district speaker who has been influential in the development.

Next Monday the Daily Monitor brings you the movers and shakers of Buyende District, the tourist attractions and all other important issues. If you have any information on the western district please send to the address below