City council confirms Benjamin Kiwanuka as Leominster director of recreation

The Leominster City Council confirmed Benjamin Kiwanuka May 11 as the city’s director of recreation, effective May 12, 2026, following a unanimous committee recommendation.

Benjamin Kiwanuka introduced himself at a Ways & Means interview, describing a background that includes moving to the U.S. from Uganda at age 12 and roughly a decade of recreation work in Waltham, where he served as recreation supervisor and inclusion coordinator. "I fell in love with the work that recreation does," Kiwanuka said, describing experience organizing inclusive programs and coaching youth sports.

Kiwanuka told councilors he plans to introduce a pickleball league to provide play opportunities beyond beginner classes, expand inclusive programs such as 'golfing buddies' that pair participants with and without disabilities, and grow early-release and vacation-week programming to give families more options. He described a long-term vision for a self-sustaining indoor sports complex that could host multiple sports and generate revenue for the department.

Councilors praised Kiwanuka’s experience and recommended moving his appointment forward. The Ways & Means committee reported a unanimous recommendation; the full council recorded a roll-call confirmation during the May 11 meeting.

The appointment (C-72) was presented as a three-year term. Council members said they will move his confirmation to the front of the calendar so Kiwanuka would know the outcome promptly and could begin the transition into the director role.

The council and members of the public noted an interest in pursuing partnerships across commissions and school facilities as Kiwanuka begins work.