MPs demand clarity on funding delays for local LC1, LC2 elections

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Members of Parliament have questioned the government over delays in funding the long-overdue local council (LC1 and LC2) and women council elections, as concerns grow over repeated extensions of their terms and low remuneration for local leaders.

The issue was raised by Dr Kefa Kiwanuka (Kiboga East, NRM), who asked the government to explain why funds for the elections have not yet been released despite earlier assurances that polls would be held between March and April 2026.

“Has money for the elections been secured as planned and announced by the Electoral Commission? What are the actual dates, since time has moved?” Kiwanuka asked, noting that more than 10,000 villages have been preparing for the elections.

He raised concerns over the remuneration of local council leaders, arguing that their pay is too low to attract competent leaders and sustain effective service delivery. Kiwanuka said LC1 chairpersons reportedly earn about sh10,000 per month, which he described as inadequate.

He noted that local council leaders play a critical role in handling land disputes, domestic violence cases, security matters and community mobilisation, yet remain poorly facilitated.

Government cites budget process delays

Responding to the concerns, Third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama said the Minister for Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, had prepared a Cabinet paper seeking approval for funding the LC elections, which would be included in a supplementary budget.

State minister for finance Amos Lugoloobi told Parliament that discussions on the supplementary budget were still ongoing and had not yet been finalised.

He said the government had temporarily halted consideration of Supplementary Schedule No.5 pending the conclusion of consultations on priority expenditures, including electoral funding.

However, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among during plenary on April 15, 2026, indicated that the supplementary budget was ready for tabling, noting that sh55 billion had been earmarked for the LC1, LC2 and women council election committees, pending parliamentary approval.

Repeated extensions of LC tenure

The debate comes against the backdrop of repeated extensions of the tenure of LC1 and LC2 leaders, whose mandates have now been prolonged four times due to delayed elections.

In a notice dated December 18, 2024, Magyezi extended the term of office for administrative unit councils by up to 180 days beyond December 31, 2024, citing provisions under the Local Government Councils Regulations.

Cabinet later endorsed the extension following a request from the Ministry of Local Government, citing funding shortfalls and the need to avoid a leadership vacuum at the village level.

Sources indicate that the Ministry of Local Government has held several engagements with the Electoral Commission to address logistical and financial constraints affecting election preparedness, although details of the discussions remain undisclosed.

Funding challenges persist

Government officials have previously attributed the delays to inadequate budget allocations. In earlier parliamentary communications, minister Magyezi indicated that the Electoral Commission required about sh50 billion to conduct the elections, but funds were not immediately available from the Ministry of Finance.

He has maintained that without funding, the Electoral Commission cannot proceed with preparations, leaving the extension of LC leadership terms as the only practical option to prevent administrative paralysis at local levels.

As the debate continues, MPs are pressing the government to provide a clear election timetable, alongside firm assurances on financing and improved remuneration for local council leaders who form the backbone of grassroots governance.