Buganda premier condemns monetization of Local Council campaigns

Buganda premier condemns monetization of Local Council campaigns
Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga

Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga has criticized the monetization of Local Council campaigns ahead of polls scheduled for Tuesday, July 10.

Mayiga observed that several contenders for Local Council I positions have invested millions of shillings to sustain a campaign for positions that are ideally voluntary and not known to have any meaningful gain.

He cited the use of powerful vehicles and distribution of money by candidates saying that such acts raise questions on the dealings by persons occupying village council position. Mayiga cautioned Ugandans to shun candidates that have offered money for votes describing them as corrupt.

Mayiga was addressing the Buganda Lukiiko at Bulange-Mengo, today Monday 9th.

Mayiga also appealed to Ugandans to participate in the scheduled election and only vote for competent candidates who will help solve different challenges at the village level.

Elections for local council leaders are due tomorrow July 10, according to a roadmap released by the Electoral Commission. The elections are to be conducted by lining up behind a nominated candidate, their representatives, portraits or a symbol.

The government has since declared July 10, a public holiday across the country to allow all Ugandans to participate in the village council elections according to a July 3, letter by Public Service Ministry Permanent Secretary, Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire.

Uganda last held local council elections in 2001. The next round of elections that was due in 2006 was halted through a petition filed by Maj. Rubaramira Ruranga, the then chairman of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Electoral Commission. In the petition, Rubaramira challenged the process of holding local councils in an arrangement that differed from the requirements of the multiparty dispensation.

URN