Published on 05/07/2024
In a recent media interview at Parliament, Minister of Local Government Raphael Magyezi passionately defended the decision to extend the term of office for Local Council One (LC1) leaders by another 180 days. This move, he explained, was driven by the Ministry of Finance’s inability to provide the necessary UGX 50 billion to the Electoral Commission for organizing the elections.
“The required funds amount to approximately UGX 50 billion,” Magyezi elaborated. “Although the financial year has just begun, these funds are currently unavailable. We are awaiting the Minister of Finance’s allocation to the Electoral Commission to facilitate these elections. Without this extension we risk a leadership vacuum that could result into a governance crisis.”
Magyezi emphasized that Regulation 11 of the Local Government Act allows him to extend the term of office for local leaders, but only up to a maximum of 180 days. This extension ensures that local councils continue to operate without interruption. “The money issue isn’t my responsibility. It’s the Minister of Finance who must find the funds. Until then, extending the LC1 terms is the only viable option,” he added.
However, several MPs protested the government’s failure to conduct LC elections. Charles Tebandeke (Bbaale County) described Magyezi’s decision as “primitive and barbaric,” while Silas Aogon (Kumi Municipality) criticized the government’s inability to prioritize these elections, which involve simple voting by lining up.
Aogon remarked, “LC1s are crucial as they are the first point of contact for government services. Extending their terms repeatedly is unacceptable. Parliament should prioritize budgeting for these elections.”
Despite the controversy, it remains unclear if the Electoral Commission has revised its budget. In July 2023, Simon Byabakama, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, defended the proposed UGX 58.08 billion budget for local council and women’s council elections, proposing that holding both elections simultaneously could save UGX 38.4 billion.
Minister Magyezi also addressed LC1 chairpersons who might not wish to extend their mandates, advising them to resign if they are no longer interested in their positions. “Those who are tired or no longer wanted by their communities can resign. The law allows you to do so, and the Electoral Commission will fill the vacancy,” he concluded.
The expansion of administrative units and the increase in the number of villages, which now total 71,000, have significantly raised the cost of administration, further complicating the organization of these elections
Magyezi’s defense underscores the delicate balance between financial constraints and the need for continuous leadership at the local government level.
