The shadow cabinet has issued a 30-day ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate organization of Local Council (LCI and LCII) elections. This ultimatum comes after the expiration of the term of office for LCI and II chairpersons on July 10.
The Electoral Commission had failed to arrange the elections this month, citing a lack of funds as the primary obstacle. While the commission had requested Shs90 billion for the elections, the finance ministry only allocated Shs36 billion, falling significantly short of the required amount.
During a press conference held at parliament this morning, the shadow cabinet, led by Ethel Naluyima, the shadow minister for local government and Wakiso District Woman MP, expressed their concerns.
Naluyima emphasized the crucial role village and parish chairpersons play in society, asserting that their positions cannot remain vacant for an extended period.
She further highlighted the potential consequences of this vacuum, particularly in terms of security and the paralysis of various economic activities. Real estate, for instance, heavily relies on LC1 stamps for smooth land transitions.
Brenda Nabukenya, the shadow minister for Education and Luweero Woman MP, took a more confrontational stance. She threatened to mobilize Ugandans for protests if the government fails to provide the necessary funds to the Electoral Commission promptly.