By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Government has earmarked Shs56.9 billion to facilitate the forthcoming elections for nationwide Local Councils 1, and 2, and women councils slated for March and April.
The Minister of Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, disclosed the development during a press briefing in Kampala on Tuesday, adding that President Yoweri Museveni had directed that the money be provided to facilitate the polls.
“I am confident that the Minister of Finance is doing everything required to avail the Shs56.9 billion for this exercise,” Magyezi said.
It should be recalled that the elective term of office for the councils expired in July 2023, but parliament under the Local Government Act extended the tenure six times in intervals of 180 days, with the latest extension, granted in December last year, expiring in June.
However, cabinet sitting on Monday approved the proposal to conduct these elections in 71,230 villages and 10,717 parishes across the country, which serve as the lowest administrative units.
Magyezi said the absence of duly elected LC1 and LC2 leaders had created administrative gaps at the grassroots, with some chairpersons abandoning office or relocating from their areas of jurisdiction.
“Without LC2 in place, the governing structure has a vacuum. These leaders are critical in monitoring and supervising government programmes in their areas,” he said.
He noted that LC1 and LC2 leaders play a key role in the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM), as the chairperson of the Parish Development Committee is elected from the LC2 leadership.
At the village level, the minister explained, LC1 officials oversee local administration, including maintaining security, order, sanitation and environmental protection. They also preside over LC courts and provide recommendations for residents seeking to join the armed forces and other government services.
The elections will be conducted by lining up behind candidates, as provided for under Section 123(2) of the Local Government Act.
Speaking at the same briefing, ICT minister, Dr Chris Baryomunsi said the Electoral Commission will announce the specific polling dates, gazette polling stations and update the voters’ registers in preparation for this exercise.
Under the law, voters elect the village chairperson, who then nominates members of the 11-person executive committee, including representatives of special interest groups. The village executive committees form the parish council, which in turn elects its executive committee.
Additionally, elections for women councils and committees will also be conducted from the village to the national level within the same period.
Magyezi urged citizens to participate in electing leaders of their choice, describing LC structures as an integral part of the country’s governance system.
