Uganda’s Local Council Elections Postponed Due to Funding Constraints

The government of Uganda has once again postponed the local council elections, citing a lack of funds to conduct the electoral process. The elections, originally scheduled to take place, will now be delayed for an additional six months. This decision extends the term of office for current local council 1 and 2 officers until adequate resources are available for the elections. According to Raphael Magezi, the Minister of Local Government, an estimated 50 billion Ugandan shillings is required to organize and conduct the elections.

The announcement of the postponement was made by Minister Raphael Magezi during a press briefing in Kampala, where he explained that several challenges, including limited funding, compelled the government to make what he described as a difficult decision.

Incumbent local council chairpersons, such as Fredrick Owor from Bison Parish in Tororo municipality, expressed disappointment over the delay. Owor’s rival also voiced frustration, stating that substantial money had already been spent on mobilization efforts.

While the extension provides an opportunity for the incumbents to continue in their roles, it has generated mixed reactions from the public. Opposition political parties, aiming to field candidates in all elective positions and dominate local council polls, have received the news with suspicion.