By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has urged Ugandans to elect competent leaders in the forthcoming Local Council (LC) I, LC II and Women Council elections, saying the quality of grassroots leadership will directly affect service delivery, land security and the protection of citizens’ rights.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, UPC spokesperson Sharon Arach Oyat called on voters to participate in the ongoing update of the voters register and make informed choices during the elections.
“The LC 1, 2 and the Women Council members that you are going to vote will determine how you are treated, how you develop and how you grow at the grassroots,” Oyat said.
She urged voters to elect leaders who will promote development, ensure security and protect human rights, warning that poor leadership could worsen challenges facing communities.
“If you vote wrongly, your land will be grabbed, your businesses will be closed and your children will miss opportunities, including education and employment,” she said.
Oyat described LC I chairpersons as the first point of contact between citizens and local government, noting that they play a critical role in land transactions, dispute resolution and community administration.
“When you are buying land, who signs? It is the LC I chairperson. If you vote the wrong leaders, your land can be grabbed, your livelihood can be lost and your rights may not be protected,” she said.
The Electoral Commission on July 6 commenced the five-day nationwide exercise to compile and update the voters register ahead of the LC I, LC II and Women Council elections. The exercise will end on Friday, July 10. According to the roadmap, EC designated July 23 and July 28, 2026, as the dates for elections of Women Council leaders and LC1 chairpersons respectively in all 71,214 villages across the country. While voting for LC2 chairpersons will take place on August 10.
UPC said it will fully participate in the elections, describing the LC I as the foundation of governance and service delivery.
“The LC I election remains the basic unit of governance and the foundation of service delivery at the grassroots. It is therefore imperative that all our members take this exercise seriously,” Oyat said.
However, the party retaliated it’s earlier call for a secret ballot as opposed to the proposed lining up behind the candidates, their symbols or agents, stating that this could fuel conflicts in communities, create divisions among neighbours, friends and families, instead of promoting unity.
She also appealed to party supporters and all eligible Ugandans to verify their details on the voters register and turn up to vote during the elections, saying grassroots leadership shapes the country’s future.
