Uganda govt extends tenure of village and parish leaders

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The government has extended the tenure of village and parish leaders and Women Councils to June 2026 from December 30, this year.

The decision was taken during the Cabinet meeting on December 15, 2025. The ministers had convened to approve the budget framework paper for 2026/2027.

Announcing the cabinet decision on Friday, December 19, Godfrey Baluku Kiime Kabbyanga, Minister of State for National Guidance, revealed that the extension of the term of office of Local Councils I and II and Women Councils in compliance with the Constitution and the Local Government Act, Cap 138, for a period not exceeding 180 days.

The extension will be the second this year. The Administrative Unit Council's term was first adjusted on June 28, 2025, with an additional 180 days.

Addressing the press at Uganda Media Centre, Kabyanga also announced that the Cabinet also approved the restocking program for the Acholi, Lango and Teso sub-regions. A total of sh.80bn was appropriated this year.

The government also approved the Magistrate’s Courts (Amendment) Bill 2025.

Objectives of the bill are:

Enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the justice system in Uganda

Strengthening judicial administration and accountability by aligning the legal framework with the current judicial structure and empowering the Chief Justice to effectively manage magisterial areas and case transfers.

Promotion of timely, fair and affordable justice delivery

Restore public confidence in the courts and contribute to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, as well as the objectives of NDP IV and Vision 2040. 

The theme of the 2026/27 budget is:

Full monetisation of Uganda’s economy through commercial Agriculture, industrialisation, expanding and Broadening Services, Digital Transformation and Market Access.