KAMPALA
The Electoral Commission (EC) has called on all registered voters across the country to turn up in large numbers today to participate in the election of local government leaders, saying the vote is critical to the implementation of government programmes at the grassroots.
Addressing the media on Wednesday morning, the EC spokesperson, Julius Mucungzi, said polling stations had already opened nationwide for the election of sub-county and Local Council LCIII chairpersons, town council chairpersons, municipal division chairpersons, and councillors at those levels.
“The Commission would like to appeal to all registered voters across the country to turn up in very big numbers today to elect their local leaders,” Mucungzi said. “Leadership at local government level, especially at the sub-county, town council and municipal division levels, is very critical because it is at these levels that the real implementation of government programmes takes place.”
He noted that policies passed by central government and budgets appropriated by Parliament are implemented at the local government level, making the election of competent leaders essential.
“It is at these local government levels that government policies are implemented and where public resources are monitored,” he said. “Therefore, it is critical that all registered voters participate effectively in electing leaders who will be responsible for overseeing and implementing these programmes over the next five years.”
The EC spokesperson urged voters to go to observe peace and to follow electoral laws and guidelines.
“Keep peace, follow the law and ensure that we conclude these elections on a peaceful and powerful note with a high turnout that will make us proud as a country.”
The local government elections are part of the ongoing electoral roadmap and are expected to shape leadership at the grassroots for the next five years.
