NTINDA, Kampala – Many know him as a journalist and communications professional, but others remember him as the poor boy who grew up in Kalinabiri 1 village under difficult circumstances after losing his father at a tender age. Today, Kassim Sematimba wants the people of Kalinabiri 1 to know him as the next LC1 chairman for the Village he holds dearly in his heart.
Sematimba was on Thursday, 16th July, officially nominated to contest for the Kalinabiri One LC1 chairmanship on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket, promising what he calls “a new generation of servant leadership” for the Bukoto II village in Nakawa Division, Kampala.
His nomination was done by Electoral Commission Presiding Officer Nicolas Mwanje at St. Lugalama Church of Uganda in Ntinda, marking the official start of his quest to lead the village that fed and raised him.
Born on April 14, 1996, at Mulago Hospital to Nakazibwe Jalia and the late Jjuko Muhammad, Kassim Sematimba’s journey has been anything but easy, having lost his father in 2004 while still in Primary One, leaving his mother, a market vendor, who only sold tomatoes for survival, with the daunting responsibility of raising the family.
Despite the financial hardships, she ensured her youngest son stayed in school. Sematimba attended Kigoowa Parents School for nursery, Kigoowa Infants School for lower primary and Kalinabiri Primary School, where he completed Primary Seven before joining Pal and Lisa Secondary School for both O and A-Levels.
He later pursued Journalism and Mass Communication at YMCA, a course he says equipped him with the knowledge, leadership skills and exposure that have inspired him to seek public office.
His professional career began at Mulengera News, where he worked as a Parliamentary Reporter, covering national politics and governance. He later served as Press Secretary to Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze Bakireke before moving into public relations and communications consultancy. He also works with Towa Uchafu na Nusu, an organisation championing proper electronic waste disposal and environmental protection.
The youthful Sematimba says his campaign is anchored on five priorities, including improving security, mobilising residents for community development, strengthening communication between leaders and wananchi, creating opportunities to address youth unemployment, and promoting sports and talent development.
According to him, Kalinabiri needs leaders who are accessible, accountable and ready to work hand in hand with the people to solve everyday challenges.
“Our village deserves leadership that listens, unites people and focuses on practical solutions. I believe my experience in journalism, public relations and community mobilisation has prepared me to serve,” he said shortly after his nomination.
As campaigns intensify, Sematimba says he will take his message directly to residents through community engagements, asking them to entrust him with the responsibility of leading Kalinabiri I into a new chapter of development and inclusive leadership.
Whether the people of Kalinabiri embrace his vision will be decided at the ballot, but for the son of a market vendor who overcame adversity to build a career in media and public service, the journey itself already tells a story of resilience, determination and hope.
