KAMPALA – UGANDA
The Ministry of Local Government has cautioned aspiring candidates and incumbent leaders ahead of the forthcoming Local Council One (LC1) and Local Council Two (LC2) elections, warning that Ugandan law prohibits any individual from holding more than one Local Council office at the same time.
Speaking on the government’s preparations for the elections, Minister for Local Government Balaam Barugahara said the Local Governments Act is clear that a person may only occupy one Local Council position at any given time.
The minister explained that the legal provision is intended to promote effective leadership, accountability and proper representation at the grassroots level. He emphasized that each village is entitled to only one duly elected LC1 chairperson, and any individual who wins election to a higher Local Council office must relinquish their previous position.
Barugahara also called on all serving LC1 and LC2 leaders to facilitate a smooth, peaceful and lawful transition once the electoral process is completed. He urged outgoing leaders to hand over office to their duly elected successors in accordance with the law, ensuring continuity in service delivery and local administration.
Addressing concerns over the status of current office bearers, the minister noted that although the official term of LC1 and LC2 leaders expired on June 28, 2026, they will remain in office temporarily in a caretaker capacity until the elections are concluded and newly elected leaders formally assume their responsibilities.
He stressed that the caretaker arrangement is designed to prevent leadership gaps at the village and parish levels while safeguarding the continuity of government services.
The Ministry has encouraged all candidates to familiarize themselves with the legal requirements governing the elections and to comply fully with the provisions of the Local Governments Act. Authorities say adherence to the law will help ensure a transparent, orderly and credible electoral process as Ugandans prepare to elect new grassroots leaders.
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