The Ministry of Local Government has once again extended the term of office for local councils (LCs) by 180 days, marking the third such extension following the expiration of their current term. This decision ensures that LC1 and LC2 chairpersons will continue in their roles for an additional six months before elections are held.
Raphael Magyezi, the Minister of Local Government, justified the extension by citing the Ministry of Finance’s failure to allocate the Shs50Bn required by the Electoral Commission to organize the elections. He emphasized the need to prevent a leadership vacuum due to the absence of officeholders.
“The required funds are about Shs50Bn, and although we have just started the financial year, the Ministry of Finance doesn’t have the money,” Magyezi stated during a media briefing in Parliament. He underscored the importance of waiting for the Ministry of Finance to provide the necessary funds. “However, the Ministry of Finance informed me they don’t have the money for the Electoral Commission, so I had to ensure the nation didn’t fall into a leadership crisis. Allowing LC1s and LC2s to remain in office without instruments could be very dangerous,” said Magyezi.
The Minister referenced Regulation 11 of the Local Government Act, which permits him to extend the term of office for local leaders, though their tenure cannot exceed 180 days. This extension ensures the continuous operation of councils, preventing a vacuum that could result in operational paralysis.
“The issue of funding isn’t my responsibility; it’s up to the Minister of Finance. The Electoral Commission can’t organize elections without funds, so my only option is to extend the term of office for LC1s,” added Magyezi.
However, some Members of Parliament protested the government’s failure to conduct LC elections, following a similar extension last year. Charles Tebandeke, MP for Bbaale County, described Magyezi’s decision as primitive and barbaric. Silas Aogon, MP for Kumi Municipality, questioned why the government couldn’t organize LC1 elections, given that the voting method only requires printing ballot papers and lining up.
“This culture of extending leadership terms is primitive, barbaric, and parochial. It demonstrates a dictatorial tendency and violates human rights and the people’s mandate. It’s likely a tactic to buy time as we prepare for general elections, with LC1 cells being used in vote rigging,” Tebandeke stated.
He further criticized the government’s priorities, emphasizing the crucial role of LC1s as the first point of contact for citizens. “Parliament should prioritize budgeting for essential services,” he said, questioning the continuous extension of LC1 terms. “We simplified LC1 elections by allowing people to line up. Where is the problem?” asked Aogon.
LC1 and LC2 leaders were elected in 2018 across 10,595 parishes and 70,626 villages. The Electoral Commission needs Shs59 billion to conduct the elections.
Section 157 of the Local Governments Act gives the Minister of Local Government the authority to draft regulations for implementing the Act. With prior cabinet approval, the minister can extend, renew, reinstate, or validate the term of office of administrative unit councils from five years for a period not exceeding 180 days at a time, even if the term has expired. After cabinet approval, the Minister must lay a statutory instrument before Parliament, which may amend or revoke it within two weeks.
On July 10, 2023, the term of office for LC1 and LC2 chairpersons expired, causing concern and mixed reactions among communities. They continue to operate while awaiting government resolutions on when elections will be held. The request for Shs60.8 billion to conduct elections for LC1 and LC2 officials, whose terms expired last year, remains unmet. Additionally, the cost of running women’s council elections, suspended in August 2022 due to lack of funds, adds to the authorities’ challenges in organizing these polls.
Currently, there are 10,595 LC2 chairpersons and 70,626 village chairpersons across the country.
