ULTIMATUM! Opposition Gives Gov’t 30 Days to Organize LC Elections

Kampala – Tensions escalated as opposition MPs held a press conference giving the government 30 days to organize long-overdue Local Council (LC) elections.

Citing the expired five-year term for village and parish councils on July 10, shadow ministers argued the absence of elections is unconstitutional.

“We demand the government immediately organise LC elections as law stipulates,” said Betty Ethel Naluyima, Shadow Minister for Local Government.

Last week, Minister Raphael Magyezi claimed LC polls were postponed due to lacking Shs59 billion in Electoral Commission funds.

But Naluyima contends this violates the Constitution and Local Government Act mandating elections every five years. The Act only allows a ministerial tenure extension up to six months in an emergency.

With no fresh elections, opposition MPs warned LC I chairs cannot legally issue documents or settle disputes.

“Most chairs in our areas are confused. There will be serious confusion,” said Helen Nakimuli, Shadow Minister for Fisheries.

Brenda Nabukenya, Shadow Education Minister, deemed this a major security risk.

The opposition also dismissed claims of insufficient funds, citing excess Shs159 billion in recent releases.

“How can they fail to get money? This shows funds are available,” argued Gorreth Namugga, Shadow Minister for Science and Innovation.

Beyond LC I and II polls, Stella Apolot Isodo demanded urgent women council elections, with terms expired since 2022.

The 30-day deadline puts pressure on the government to address concerns over LC election delays and legality issues quickly, or face harsh opposition backlash.