2026 LC Elections: Ministry Calls for Grassroots Leaders of Integrity and Accountability

KAMPALA, Uganda — As the country prepares for Local Council I (LC I) and Local Council II (LC II) elections across all 105 districts on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, has rallied Ugandans to elect leaders grounded in integrity, accountability, and commitment.

Mr. Kumumanya emphasized that the future of Uganda’s decentralized governance system hinges on the quality of leadership chosen at the grassroots—where citizens interact directly with government structures and where national development policies translate into real benefits.

“The strength of our decentralization system depends on strong Local Councils because they are the closest leaders to the people. They understand community challenges and are responsible for ensuring that government programmes reach the intended beneficiaries,” Mr. Kumumanya stated.

The Ministry is urging voters to reject commercialized politics and prioritize candidates who view public office as a duty to serve rather than an opportunity for personal enrichment.

The Engine of Grassroots Development

LC I and LC II leaders form the bedrock of local service delivery. Beyond administrative tasks, they are tasked with mobilizing citizens, resolving local disputes, promoting sanitation, maintaining security, and tracking public service delivery within their villages and parishes.

Their role has become even more pivotal with the rollout of major socio-economic initiatives designed to boost household incomes, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and national healthcare campaigns.

According to Mr. Kumumanya, national development programs risk failing without dedicated grassroots stewards. “Government interventions can only succeed when communities are properly mobilized and local leaders take personal responsibility for ensuring beneficiaries receive intended services,” he added.

Accountability Starts at the Village Level

The Permanent Secretary’s call comes amid ongoing government efforts to tighten anti-corruption mechanisms within local governments. He underscored that the fight against corruption cannot be won from Kampala alone—it must begin in the village.

Effective LC leaders act as the first line of defense against graft by monitoring community projects, ensuring transparency, and reporting the abuse of public resources.

“Accountability is not only the responsibility of national leaders. It begins in our communities, where leaders must safeguard public resources and ensure development projects truly serve the people,” Mr. Kumumanya noted.

Choosing Transformation Over Promises

With polling day here, the Ministry of Local Government urges citizens to evaluate candidates strictly on character, track record, and willingness to serve.

Strong village and parish councils form the backbone of effective district administrations, driving public trust in state institutions, preserving peace, and building economically productive communities.

“The future of our communities begins with the choices we make at the village level. When we elect leaders committed to genuine service, we strengthen decentralization and build a firm foundation for national development,” Mr. Kumumanya concluded.

For Uganda, the village remains the starting block of progress. The outcome of these LC I and LC II elections will ultimately determine whether grassroots governance becomes a genuine vehicle for community transformation, accountability, and sustainable growth.

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