Local leaders in Lubaga have appealed to candidates and voters to maintain peace during the Local Council I (LC1) elections scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, following incidents of violence reported in some parts of the country during the recently concluded Women’s Council elections.
The Deputy RDC for Lubaga, Moses Ariho, appealed during a meeting with LC1 chairperson candidates, Electoral Commission officials, security personnel and local leaders to discuss measures aimed at ensuring peaceful and credible elections.
Ariho warned candidates against using illegal vigilante groups, commonly referred to as “Egali,” saying such groups have no place in the electoral process.
“The so called Egali groups are not acceptable. We, as leaders, must lead by example in everything we do,” Ariho said.
He said security agencies had observed the presence of such groups at several polling stations during previous elections and warned that anyone found using them would face the law.
“We witnessed these groups at many polling stations. This time, security agencies will closely monitor them, and we shall crush them. We expect to deploy security personnel at every polling station to ensure a peaceful election,” he said.
Ariho also urged candidates to respect the outcome of the elections and avoid inciting violence if they lose.
“I appeal to all candidates to accept defeat if they lose and work together with those who are declared winners for the development of your communities,” he said.
He further challenged those who will be elected as LC1 chairpersons to support and mobilise communities to participate in government development programmes, especially the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“The Parish Development Model is an important government programme that was introduced to lift people out of poverty. As local leaders, it will be your responsibility to mobilise communities and ensure they benefit from such programmes,” Ariho said.
The Divisional Police Commander for Old Kampala Police Division, Kenneth Masette, also appealed to candidates to demonstrate leadership by conducting peaceful campaigns and observing the electoral laws.
“We need all candidates to act responsibly, remain orderly and follow the election laws and guidelines. Violence has no place in these elections,” Masette said.
He assured candidates and voters that police would work with other security agencies to maintain law and order throughout the election period.
The meeting brought together Electoral Commission (EC) officials, security personnel and local leaders to coordinate preparations ahead of the village-level elections.
Authorities expressed confidence that with cooperation from candidates, voters and security agencies, the elections would be conducted peacefully and transparently.
