Local council leaders given May 12 deadline to hand over power

________________

Outgoing local council (LC) leaders across Uganda have been given until May 12, 2026, to hand over office and surrender all government property following the end of their constitutional term.

The directive, issued on Friday by the Ministry of Local Government in a circular signed by Minister Raphael Magyezi, has set the stage for a nationwide leadership transition after the recently concluded General Elections.

Under the new guidelines, all outgoing chairpersons and mayors are required to prepare “comprehensive handover reports” and submit all government assets in their possession to Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) and Town Clerks before leaving office.

The ministry said the move is intended to ensure a “smooth and orderly transition process in accordance with the law.”

The transition will affect all levels of local government, including districts, cities, municipalities, town councils and sub-counties.

According to the circular, newly elected leaders are expected to officially assume office between May 13 and May 29, 2026, in line with Article 291(2) of the Constitution.

Magyezi commended outgoing leaders for their contribution during their tenure, saying: “The tireless efforts of your leadership contributed immensely to the achievements of the NRM Government and indeed responding to the aspirations of the people of Uganda.”

He also directed technical officers to supervise the process and guide lower local governments while “ensuring compliance with the relevant provisions of the Local Governments Act.”

The minister expressed optimism that incoming leaders would build on the progress made by their predecessors.

“We look forward to building on the achievements of the outgoing Local Government Councils to further the socio-economic transformation of our country,” he said.

The circular was copied to senior government officials, including President Yoweri Museveni, the Prime Minister and the Attorney General, signalling the importance the government has attached to the transition exercise.

The current LC1 and LC2 leaders were elected in 2018.

Their terms originally expired in 2023, but their tenure has been extended multiple times; new elections for these specific positions are scheduled to be held by the end of April 2026.

Critical mandate 

Under Uganda’s Local Governments Act, Local Council I (Village) and Local Council II (Parish) structures remain the most basic but critical administrative units, forming the first point of contact between citizens and the state.

Although they do not hold the extensive legislative or budgetary authority of higher councils such as District (LC V) or Sub-county (LC III), their functions are central to grassroots governance, particularly in security, dispute resolution and community mobilisation.

At the village level, the LC I Council plays a frontline role in daily administration and community oversight. Its responsibilities include monitoring security and reporting suspicious activities or crime to law enforcement agencies.

The LC I also maintains a register of all residents in the village and issues recommendation letters used by citizens when applying for national identity cards, passports or employment opportunities.

In addition, the council acts as a local dispute resolution body, hearing and settling minor civil matters such as petty theft, debts and neighbourhood disagreements.

It also mobilises communities for self-help initiatives, including maintenance of local infrastructure such as paths and water sources.

The council is also tasked with monitoring the delivery of government services at the community level, including tracking teacher attendance in schools and the availability of essential medicines in nearby health facilities.

At the parish level, the LC II Council provides supervisory and coordination functions over multiple villages. 

One of its most prominent roles is overseeing land-related matters through parish land committees, which help mediate boundary and ownership disputes.

The LC II also serves as a communication bridge between LC I councils and Sub-county (LC III) administrations, ensuring information flows between the grassroots and higher local government structures.

It further supports government planning processes by assisting in the collection of key data, including population statistics and agricultural production figures, which are often used in national planning exercises.

In addition, LC II structures play a key role in verifying and recommending beneficiaries for government development initiatives, including wealth creation programmes such as the Parish Development Model.