Several political party leaders have raised objections to the Ugandan government’s decision to reallocate funds intended for local council 1 and 2 elections. The Minister of Local Government, Mr. Raphael Magyezi, announced a 180-day extension of the administrative unit councils’ term, citing a failure to release the required Shs59 billion for the elections.
In response, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and Democratic Party (DP) leaders expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the move indicated a failure in promoting democracy. Mr. Patrick Oboi Amuriat, FDC Najjanankumbi president, criticized the government for neglecting democracy, urging it to prioritize leadership and find funds within its ministries.
DP president, Mr. Nobert Mao, voiced his disappointment, stating that they had already mobilized party members for the elections. Mr. Ssemuju Ibrahim Nganda, the FDC Katonga faction spokesperson, alleged a deliberate move by President Museveni to avoid elections, pointing to the lack of recent parliamentary by-elections.
While the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama, clarified the legal requirements for aligning administrative unit elections with general elections, other party leaders accused the ruling NRM party of avoiding the polls due to potential losses in the primaries.
The NRM spokesperson, Mr. Emmanuel Dombo, defended the government’s position, citing financial constraints and prioritizing urgent needs such as addressing the impact of the pandemic on education. He urged understanding of the government’s stress conditions and reassured that efforts would be made to raise funds in the future.
The reallocation of funds and postponement of elections have sparked concerns about the legitimacy of local institutions and potential legal challenges.
