Summary:

• Political party leaders criticize the government for reallocating funds meant for Local Council I and II elections, with concerns raised about a perceived failure to prioritize democracy, while the Electoral Commission’s allocated budget for the polls was Shs59 billion.

A faction of political party leaders has expressed disapproval of the government’s decision to redirect funds originally allocated for the organization of Local Council I and II elections to other priorities.

The reallocation, officially confirmed this Wednesday by Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance, has drawn criticism from various quarters.

Addressing the media earlier, Raphael Magyezi, the Minister of Local Government, attributed the extension of the term of office for LC 1 and 2 by another 180 days, starting from January 6, to a shortage of funds.

However, in a phone interview with Examiner, Patrick Amuriat, the president of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), asserted that this move indicates a failure on the government’s part to fulfill its democratic responsibilities.

“Government is evading its own creation by not conducting the elections it initiated in the numerous villages. If they don’t deem them a priority, they should make that clear to the nation,” said Amuriat.

In the meantime, Norbert Mao, the president of the Democratic Party and also the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, has suggested that the government should explore options for more cost-effective elections.

The Electoral Commission had initially budgeted Shs59 billion for the implementation of Local Council I and II polls nationwide.