Countdown to Uganda’s long-awaited LC1 polls

In Kabale District, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) publicity secretary, Mr Edison Turyahabwa, said the party had stepped up mobilisation to ensure its flag bearers win the forthcoming LC1 and LC2 elections. 

“We are mobilising support to ensure our LC1 and LC2 flag bearers win the forthcoming elections because victory at the grassroots strengthens the party and makes it easier to popularise and implement government programmes,” he said. 

However, the National Unity Platform (NUP) chairperson for Kabale District, Mr Derrick Katebire, called on the Electoral Commission to display village registers on time to enable the public to verify voters and prevent electoral malpractice.

“We shall receive applications from members seeking to contest the LC1 and LC2 positions, vet them where necessary, and hope the intimidation of our supporters witnessed during previous elections will not recur,” he said. 

In Mbarara City, Mr Adson Oketcho, the LC1 chairperson of Kakiika Cell in Mbarara City North Division, who has served the area for 25 years, said he is seeking another term to build on achievements in road improvement, security and community mobilisation. 

“I have achieved a lot during my leadership, but challenges such as unemployment, insecurity and drug abuse among the youth remain. I also support voting by lining up because it is transparent and helps prevent electoral malpractice,” he said. 

However, Mr Oketcho expressed concern over the increasing commercialisation of politics, saying some candidates had already begun spending heavily to influence voters.

In Fort Portal City, there appears to be little excitement as political activity remains subdued and campaign materials are largely absent from public spaces. While the ruling NRM party has already conducted internal primaries and selected flag bearers, residents say awareness about the electoral roadmap remains low and more civic education is needed to encourage participation. 

Mr Haruna Kibirago, a Democratic Party (DP) supporter in Fort Portal City, said many Opposition parties may struggle to field candidates due to limited preparation time and weak internal party structures.

“It is unfortunate that our party president has been spending more time associating with NRM instead of organising the internal affairs of DP. As things stand, I am not sure whether our party will front candidates in all areas,” Mr Kibirago said. 

He added that the delay in conducting the elections has created challenges even for parties that completed their internal processes long ago.

“We need these chairpersons, but the roadmap has come on very short notice. Other political parties may not have enough time to organise their primaries. Even within the NRM, which conducted its primaries earlier, some of the flag bearers have since passed away before the elections could be held,” he said. 

“I know of about four NRM flag bearers whom we have buried. Political party flags are not inherited, which means the party will have to identify and endorse new candidates to fill those positions before the elections take place,” Mr Kibirago added. 

Mr Alex Mujuni, another resident, welcomed the planned elections but criticised the continued use of the lining-up method of voting. 

“Voting by lining up behind candidates compromises voter privacy. We have seen secret ballots in parliamentary and presidential elections. Government should provide funds for secret ballot voting even at village level. This is about choosing local leaders, not party politics,” he said. 

Mr Robert Baluku, a boda boda rider in North Division, said there is need for increased voter education to avoid confusion during the voting process. 

“Many youths complain about poor services and leadership, but they rarely participate in local elections. This is an opportunity for them to elect leaders who understand community challenges,” he said.

In the Busoga Sub-region, the Electoral Commission’s regional election officer, Mr Deo Natukunda, said preparations are on course, with activities set to begin next Monday ahead of the July 28 polls. He said all districts in the sub-region will kick off the exercise with the training of polling officials and the distribution of election materials, a process expected to run for five days. 

“We are rolling out our programme on Monday, including training polling officials and distributing all the necessary materials to staff. The exercise will last five days,” Mr Natukunda said. 

He said each village will have a register update officer to verify residents and update the village register to ensure only eligible residents are included. 

Mr Natukunda urged residents to participate in the verification exercise, adding that only those whose names appear on the updated village register will be allowed to line up and vote for their preferred candidate on polling day. 

Several incumbent LC1 leaders in Jinja City have expressed confidence ahead of the upcoming village elections, citing their leadership records and strong support from residents. Mr Watmon Okidi, the incumbent chairperson of Kisima 1 Island Village on Lake Victoria in Jinja South Division, has led the fishing community since 1986. 

Having served for about 40 years, he said residents persuaded him to seek another term. He added that if re-elected, it would be his final term of office. 

“It is not me who wanted to contest again, but because of my good leadership, residents have asked me to lead them for the next five years,” Mr Okidi said. Meanwhile, Mr Henry Batambuze (NRM), the incumbent LC1 chairperson of Main Street West Village in Jinja South Division, who has been in leadership for 20 years, said his tenure focused on promoting government programmes among ghetto youth and single mothers, among others In Mbale City, aspiring LC1 candidates and residents said they are ready for the forthcoming polls, while calling for a free, fair, and transparent electoral process. Mr James Magambo, an aspiring candidate for Link Cell in Northern City Division, said he is prepared to contest on the NUP ticket. 

However, Mr Robert Magomu, an opinion leader in Kinyole B Cell, Northern City Division, appealed to the Electoral Commission to ensure Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) do not interfere with the electoral process. “RDCs are NRM cadres, yet some masquerade as government officials overseeing elections,” he alleged. 

Meanwhile, Ms Annet Nambozo, an NRM supporter and resident of Mulukhu in Industrial City Division, said women are ready to participate actively in the elections. 

“As women, we shall fully participate in electing our new leaders because village leaders directly affect service delivery in our communities. We want leaders with integrity,” she said. 

West Nile In Arua City, the incumbent LC1 chairperson of Awindiri Cell, Onzivu Ward, Mr Alex Oyer (NRM), said he is confident of retaining his seat, citing his leadership record and support from residents. 

Mr Oyer, who has served as LC1 chairperson for 14 years after assuming office at the age of 23, said his administration has prioritised youth empowerment through skills training in metal fabrication and poultry keeping, helping many young people improve their livelihoods. 

“I am ready for the elections and confident of victory because we have worked well with the people,” he said, adding that addressing insecurity, including rising cases of theft and phone snatching, remains one of his priorities. 

He also urged candidates and their supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns and observe electoral guidelines, especially since voting will be by lining up behind candidates. 

Mr Oyer faces competition from independent candidates Muzamil Omirambe and Rashid Saidi, a former secretary for education and publicity who lost in the NRM party primaries. 

Meanwhile, Mr Fred Kabango Turyakira, the LC1 chairperson of Booma Cell, said he would seek another term on a platform of tackling poverty and insecurity through initiatives such as backyard farming and neighbourhood watch programmes. 

He, however, added that voting by lining up could be challenging in urban areas, where many residents may not have time to queue for long periods.  He also urged the Electoral Commission to intensify voter civic education and warned that commercialised politics could undermine the election of capable leaders.

In Masaka City, incumbent LC1 leaders and aspirants welcomed the Electoral Commission’s roadmap but called for the timely updating of village registers to ensure all eligible residents participate in the polls.

Muhamad Mustapha Ssempala, the chairperson of Gayaza Cell, said he is ready for the elections but expressed concern over the tight campaign schedule and the lack of an updated voters’ register. “The elections are long overdue, and we welcome the roadmap.

However, the Electoral Commission should update the register to ensure all eligible residents vote. Those who served well will be re-elected, while those who did not meet people’s expectations will be voted out,” he said.

Jamiru Walugembe, the chairperson of Kimaanya B Cell, who has served for more than 30 years, also welcomed the elections but urged the Electoral Commission to update the village registers before polling day.

“It would be risky to conduct elections using an outdated register. We are ready to seek a fresh mandate from the people,” he said.

Compiled by Tausi Nakato, Denis Edema, Abubaker Kirunda, Fred Wambede, Robert Muhereza, Felix Warom Okello, Clement Aluma, Rajab Mukombozi, Cosline Nakahiira, Malik Fahd Jingo, Jessica Sabano & Hanifah Nanyanzi & Alex Ashaba.