Cabinet Approves Shs56.9b for Village and Parish Elections

KAMPALA — Uganda will spend Shs56.9 billion to organise elections for Local Council One (LC1) and Local Council Two (LC2) chairpersons across the country, as part of efforts to streamline the electoral calendar ahead of the presidential inauguration.

The decision was reached during a Cabinet sitting where the Ministry of Local Government outlined the financial and logistical requirements for conducting the village and parish-level polls.

The elections are scheduled to take place in March and April, before President Yoweri Museveni is sworn in for a new term.

According to officials, the funding will cover printing of ballot materials, training of election officials, deployment of polling staff, and logistical coordination nationwide.

The Electoral Commission will oversee the entire exercise.

Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi explained that government intends to avoid a situation where grassroots leaders operate on expired mandates.

He noted that aligning the elections with the broader political transition ensures continuity and strengthens local governance structures.

LC1 and LC2 leaders play a critical role in Uganda’s decentralised system, serving as the first point of contact between citizens and government.

They oversee community security, development initiatives, and dispute mediation at village and parish levels.

With funding now secured, attention turns to the Electoral Commission to finalise the electoral timetable and begin preparations for what will be one of the most extensive grassroots voting exercises in recent years.