Electoral Commission Urges Ugandans to Embrace Lc I Elections

The Electoral Commission (EC) is urging Ugandans to actively engage in the forthcoming Local Council One (LC I) elections, emphasizing their critical role in the country's democratic fabric and grassroots leadership. Hajjat Aisha Lubega, the EC's Deputy Chairperson, described these village-level elections as the bedrock of Uganda's democratic system, directly shaping community leadership and service delivery.

Lubega highlighted that the LC I elections, long delayed due to funding issues, are finally being organized. She stressed their importance, even above presidential polls, because these elected officials are the most accessible to citizens and have a direct impact on services at the community level. "The LC I election belongs to the people," Lubega stated, encouraging citizens to seize the opportunity to elect leaders they can hold accountable.

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The LC I election belongs to the people. These are leaders who are closest to the communities, and citizens should take this opportunity to elect leaders they can hold accountable.

Addressing procedural questions, Lubega defended the use of the lining-up voting system, clarifying it is mandated by the Local Government Act, not an EC invention. She confirmed that both party-affiliated candidates and independents can participate. Regarding the election budget, she explained that the allocated funds are distributed across over 71,000 villages nationwide to cover essential logistical needs, including voter registration and polling operations.

Lubega also tackled concerns about voter register accuracy and the perceived emergence of "ghost polling stations." She advised voters to inspect registers during the display period and report any omissions promptly. She clarified that what some perceived as new polling stations were actually split streams created to manage voter congestion, a measure designed to improve the polling process. Security agencies' role in maintaining order during elections was also acknowledged.

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The LC I election belongs to the people. These are leaders who are closest to the communities, and citizens should take this opportunity to elect leaders they can hold accountable.