By Edward Byamukama
The Ministry of Local Government has called on Ugandans to turn out in large numbers for Tuesday’s Local Council I (LCI) elections, describing the polls as a crucial opportunity to strengthen participatory democracy, accountability and grassroots service delivery after years of delayed village elections.
In a statement issued on the eve of the elections, Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya said the LC I and LC II structures remain the bedrock of Uganda’s decentralised governance system, serving as the first point of contact between citizens and government.
Kamumanya says participating in these elections is not simply about choosing individuals to occupy leadership positions; it is about shaping the future of our communities saying every vote contributes to strengthening decentralisation, promoting peace and security, improving accountability and accelerating socio-economic transformation.
According to the Electoral Commission, the country has approximately 71,208 villages, each expected to elect a village chairperson and executive committee, making LC I leaders the closest elected representatives to the people.
Kumumanya said Tuesday’s elections offer communities an opportunity to elect leaders of integrity who are committed to serving the public interest. He noted that LCI executive committees play a critical role in implementing council resolutions, mobilising communities for government programmes, promoting sanitation, maintaining law and order, identifying vulnerable households for government support, and monitoring service delivery.
He urged voters to carefully evaluate the character, integrity and track record of aspiring leaders, emphasising that communities deserve leaders who place public interest above personal gain. To facilitate participation, the Ministry of Public Service declared Tuesday, July 28, a public holiday.
Meanwhile, political activity has intensified across the country, with several Members of Parliament and other political leaders camping in their constituencies ahead of the village polls as candidates make final efforts to mobilise voters.
