'Don't vote for leaders who have swindled PDM funds'
"I want to urge all Ugandans to be reassured that the government is going to embark on a very organised and transparent process in making sure Ugandans all over the country, in every sub-region, have the leadership that they deserve and that they want at the local council levels," Minister Nameere said.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Tuesday (June 30), Barugahara called on voters to elect leaders committed to development and warned against returning corrupt officials to office. (New Vision/Files)
KAMPALA - Local government minister Balaam Barugahara has urged Ugandans to reject local council (LC) leaders accused of mismanaging Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
The minister said the upcoming village and parish elections present an opportunity to restore integrity and accountability in grassroots leadership.
The Electoral Commission has scheduled village (LC1) elections for July 28 and parish (LC2) elections for August 10, completing the country's electoral cycle for administrative units.
The transitional arrangements follow the expiry of the term of office for LC1 and LC2 leaders on June 28.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Tuesday (June 30), Barugahara called on voters to elect leaders committed to development and warned against returning corrupt officials to office.
"Let us elect leaders who don't participate in land grabbing, leaders who don't offer stamps to land grabbers, leaders who are not corrupt. Let's clean our system right from the village," said the minister.
"Don't blame the top before you clean the village. Let's clean the village, the parishes, the sub-county, the constituency and the district unless we get people who will protect the interests of Ugandans."
Barugahara said the current office bearers will continue serving until newly elected leaders assume office after the administrative unit elections.
The formal handover will be conducted under the supervision of the district authorities.
'Transparent process'
The minister, who is serving his first term in the local government docket, described village and parish councils as the foundation of local governance, saying they are the first point of contact between government and citizens.
Their responsibilities include maintaining security and public order, resolving disputes through local council courts, mobilising communities, monitoring service delivery and implementing government programmes such as the PDM and Emyooga.
Citing the law, Barugahara warned that a leader elected to a higher local government position automatically vacates the lower office.
His clarion call to the public: "Ensure you elect leaders who are development-oriented, leaders who will carry your village and community forward."
Local government state minister Justine Nameere weighed in, saying the government is committed to conducting a credible electoral process that will produce capable grassroots leaders.
"I want to urge all Ugandans to be reassured that the government is going to embark on a very organised and transparent process in making sure Ugandans all over the country, in every sub-region, have the leadership that they deserve and that they want at the local council levels," she said.