MPs have expressed mixed views about the upcoming LC 1 elections, with some welcoming the exercise as long overdue while others question the cost of conducting the polls at a time when the country faces pressing service delivery challenges.
Speaking to Bbeg Media, Kinkizi West MP James Kaberuka praised the government for allocating funds to conduct the elections, saying local council leaders play a critical role in implementing government programmes at the grassroots level.
“I would like to commend the government for allocating funds to conduct local council elections because LC leaders influence all government programmes on the ground, which later support effective planning by the National Planning Authority,” Kaberuka said.
He noted that programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Operation Wealth Creation and other government initiatives have been implemented successfully partly because of the work of local council leaders.
Kaberuka said that just as parliamentary and local government elections have been conducted, it is important for all leadership structures to be fully constituted.
But Bukanga County MP Nathan Byanyima disagreed with Kaberuka’s position on government spending for the elections.
Byanyima argued that the country faces more urgent challenges, including poor roads, limited access to clean water, underfunded schools and low salaries for public servants.
He said government should first prioritise addressing those challenges before spending large amounts of taxpayers’ money on elections.
The elections set to be held on July 28 will cost Shs 56 billion.
Nakaseke Woman MP Sarah Najjuma expressed concern about the prolonged stay of some local council leaders in office.
She alleged that some LC officials have been involved in land disputes by issuing multiple agreements for the same piece of land to different buyers.
Despite her concerns, Najjuma welcomed the government’s decision to fund the elections, saying local leaders play an important role in implementing poverty alleviation programmes, especially the PDM.
The elections are expected to fill leadership positions at the village level and strengthen local governance structures across the country.
