THE SON WHOSE EARS ARE ON THE GROUND: How BBC Award-Winning Journalist Solomon Sserwanja Is Bringing Investigative Journalism Values to Bamutakudde Village Leadership

What the report says

Solomon Sserwanja, a Ugandan journalist known for investigative reporting and leadership at the African Institute for Investigative Journalism, has taken on a new role in local governance. According to Watchdog Uganda, residents of Bamutakudde Village in Kyampisi Sub-county, Mukono District, elected him as Local Council I chairperson on July 28, 2026. The article says he won by a single vote, 6 to 5, in a closely contested race.

Watchdog Uganda reports that Sserwanja is bringing lessons from journalism into village leadership, especially the habit of listening to residents and responding to community concerns. He said his priority is to serve everyone in the village, including those who did not vote for him. The piece also notes his background as a BBC World News Komla Dumor Award winner and former journalist with outlets including NBS Television, NTV Uganda, UBC TV and KTN News.

The article says his agenda for the village centers on skills training, better planning and economic empowerment. Proposed projects include vocational training in trades such as electrical installation and plumbing, a village register to improve planning, efforts to secure a borehole for clean water, and support for street lighting to improve safety. He also wants to promote local businesses and help residents access government programs such as the Parish Development Model. The story presents his election as a test of whether journalistic listening can translate into practical grassroots leadership.