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The Ugandan community in Abu Dhabi has taken a key step toward organizing its next leadership elections, with the appointment of Johnson Ssengendo as the new Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.
Ssengendo, who currently serves as a community advisor on the executive committee and is CEO of Taweelah Radio & TV, was appointed on March 12, 2026, replacing Mr. Shaban Lugobe. He will oversee preparations for the upcoming elections that will usher in a new leadership team for the 2026–2028 term.
A long-serving member of the community, Ssengendo has been actively involved since 2017, when the Ugandan community in Abu Dhabi was still in its formative stages. At the time, he served as the community’s media executive, contributing to communication and mobilization efforts.
The community itself was founded through the efforts of a small group of pioneers, including former Chairperson Ismail Sebugwaawo and Vice Chairperson Ronnie Senyonjo, who mobilized fellow Ugandans to establish a formal structure. The initial committee comprised key figures such as Aman Mpagi Baguma (Technical Advisor), Simon Mwesigwa (Welfare), George Keya (Senior Mobilizer), Timothy Kasozi (Mobilizer), Okedi Ismail (Advisor), AbdulRazzaq Kaleme (Mobilizer), Stephen Rubinga (General Secretary), Eddie Mukaaya (Sports Director), Cleopatra Nanyange and Hawa Nassuna (Women Representatives), among others.
In 2024, the community held elections that attracted broad participation from Ugandans living in Abu Dhabi. The polls resulted in the election of Ismail Okedi as Chairperson, alongside Fauzia Muwakani (Vice Chairperson), Hamim Kyobe Sekatawa (General Secretary), and a full executive committee representing various portfolios including finance, welfare, culture, sports, and workers’ affairs.
With the current executive committee’s term now coming to an end, preparations are underway for fresh elections scheduled for 2026. The newly constituted Electoral Commission, led by Ssengendo, is expected to soon release a comprehensive roadmap outlining the electoral process.
Community members will be invited to contest for various leadership positions, with elected officials set to serve a two-year term from 2026 to 2028. Organizers have emphasized that only eligible Ugandans will be allowed to participate, with a commitment to ensuring free and fair elections.
The upcoming polls are seen as an important opportunity to strengthen unity, representation, and service delivery within the Ugandan diaspora community in Abu Dhabi.
