Government has once again postponed the Local Council and women council elections for another period of six months.
Cabinet last month gave a green light to the extension of the term of office for both LC1 and LC2 offices as well as women councils for another period of 180 days starting January, 6, 2024.
He said the postponement has also been gazetted.
“Pursuant to regulation 11A (d) of the Local Government Councils Regulations, the term of office of administrative unit councils expiring on January,5, 2024 is extended for a period not exceeding 180 days from January,6, 2024. The extension is justified on the basis of inadequate funding and other logistics for the elections. It is extremely difficult to conduct elections of the administrative units without adequate resources at the moment,” Magyezi said.
He said the Electoral Commission requires shs56 billion to organize the elections, noting that the money is yet to be received by the electoral body.
Minister Magyezi on Wednesday said the elections have also been postponed to allow government harmonise administrative units.
“The ministry is in the process of updating the list of all administrative units in the county, in liaison with the relevant government agencies and local authorities. Without clarity of numbers, names, and boundaries of the administrative units, it is not possible to conduct the elections,” Magyezi said.
Importance of LCs
Minister Magyezi said government appreciates the role of the local councils, as given under the Local Governments Act Section 48-50 and other laws which includes the maintenance of security, law and order, in liaison with the security agencies, registration of citizens for the national census, recruitment in the armed forces, recommendation of citizens for a Ugandan passport and other identification documents.
“LCs help in dispute resolution through the local council courts, monitor the delivery of services by government/civil society and general administration of the localities and mobilize communities for self-help projects, environment protection, sanitation/hygiene and fighting epidemics.”
He noted that LCs also act as a communication channel between the local communities and government.
Therefore, the country needs the local councils and cannot afford a vacuum in leadership at that level, at any moment in time.Government is committed to hold the elections of the local councils as soon as it is practicable and will inform the country of the programme and roadmap for the elections in due course.”
