The role of Lower local Councils towards improving service delivery in communities

Uganda last held LC 1’s & 11’s elections in 2001 meaning it is over 15 years now Uganda has failed to conduct elections of LC 1’s & 11’s despite their role in the community. This is something that depicts the country’s democratic levels yet these people play big roles towards mobilization of our communities towards development.

These were words from Ms Nyaakato Rusoke the regional chairperson for the Forum for the Democratic Change (FDC) when she was hosted alongside the executive director Toro Development Network Johnstone Baguma Kumaraki, Haruna Kibirango the Kabarole district Democratic Party (DP) chairperson & Robert the FDC secretary for Kabarole district. The panelists were hosted to debate on the topic; Postponement of LC 1 & 11 elections in Uganda, what are the challenges?. They were hosted on 24^th March 2017 at Hits Fm during the ToroDev supported ‘Orukurato’ program that is aired live every Saturday 8:00- 10:00pm.

LCI and LCII chairpersons play a vital role in our country and communities by engaging in different activities like settling grievances of land, domestic violence, theft, community roads maintenance and many others that contribute to enabling peace and development hence improving service delivery. Said Johnstone Baguma Kumaraki.

We know community leaders as people who mobilize communities for various development activities and now that we do not have legal leaders at village and parish level, the leadership is weakened and something needs to be done to increase participation of citizens in development of their communities. Said Haruna Kibirango, the Democratic Party chairperson Kabarole district.

There is need for a collective voice from the citizens of this country to put the issue of LC elections to the attention of members of parliament for it to be recognized as a vital issue in this country. The government is giving excuses of nit having money to carry out the exercise yet if they can allow the lining behind of the candidate, it can reduce costs involved in conducting the exercise and also avoiding unnecessary exercises which the government is spending on despite other important ventures like holding LC elections, added Ms Nyakato Rusoke.

The two hours live discussion attracted callers from the seven districts of Rwenzori region and over 50 called in; ‘’How can the government plan for people at ground level when they don’t have leaders at community level?’’, asked Yasin from Kamwenge district, ‘’ if the government is aiming at improving services at village level then  LC I and LCII election should be conducted ” , said Mr. Businge John a caller from Busoro in Kabarole district, ‘’village leadership is important for security of community members & development we request the government to do whatever it takes to hold these elections’’, said Margret Kisembo a caller from Ntoroko district, ‘’People should put pressure  on their leaders so that elections can be conducted and this will play a role towards development & improved service delivery at community level’’, said Monday  a caller from Kyenjojo district.

We take a great opportunity to thank SIDA, NED, SPIDER, ICT4DEM, CIPESA & all our development partners for the financial & technical support.