By Ben Kumumanya
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government
The Local Council I (LC I) and Local Council II (LC II) administrative structures remain the cornerstone of Uganda’s decentralized system of governance. Since the inception of decentralization, the Government has deliberately brought leadership and decision-making closer to the people—empowering communities to actively identify priorities, monitor public services, and hold leaders accountable.
This vibrant citizen engagement was recently demonstrated during visits by Ministers of Local Government to the Bugisu Sub-region, where local communities openly exposed corrupt practices and demanded greater transparency.
As Uganda prepares for the upcoming Village (LC I) and Parish/Ward (LC II) elections, citizens have a crucial opportunity to reinforce this democratic foundation by electing competent, dedicated leaders of high integrity.
A Comprehensive Structure for Responsive Governance
Under the Local Governments Act, the LC I and LC II Executive Committees are designed to ensure every facet of community life is represented through dedicated portfolios:
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Executive Officers: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, General Secretary, and Secretary for Finance.
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Security & Development: Secretary for Defence and Security; Secretary for Production and Environmental Protection.
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Public Outreach & Services: Secretary for Information, Education, and Communication.
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Special Interest Groups: Secretary for Youth Affairs; Secretary for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs); Secretary for Women Affairs.
This structured composition ensures residents know exactly where to seek assistance on specific matters while fostering inclusive, accessible, and responsive grassroots governance.
Core Roles and Responsibilities of Local Councils
Local Council leaders occupy a unique position as the closest elected officials to the people. Their core responsibilities span administrative duties, socio-economic mobilization, and conflict resolution:
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Grassroots Administration: LC I Executive Committees implement council decisions, convene village assemblies, safeguard public property, and communicate local priorities to higher levels of Local Government.
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Socio-Economic Mobilization: Local leaders drive community participation in major national initiatives, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, immunization campaigns, environmental conservation, and local sanitation drives.
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Dispute Resolution & Social Cohesion: By mediating boundary disputes, domestic conflicts, and neighborhood disagreements, Local Councils resolve issues before they escalate—strengthening social harmony while easing pressure on the formal judicial system.
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Peace & Security: Working closely with security agencies and residents, councils maintain vigilance, identify emerging threats, and safeguard law and order at the village level.
Grassroots Vigilance: The First Line of Defense Against Corruption
As the Government intensifies its fight against corruption, the front line begins in the village and parish. Honest Local Council leaders protect public resources by verifying beneficiaries of government programs, monitoring infrastructure projects, and reporting instances of abuse or substandard service delivery.
The courage demonstrated by communities in exposing corrupt officials during recent ministerial tours underscores the power of civic partnership in demanding accountability.
The Upcoming Elections: A Civic Responsibility
The forthcoming LC I and LC II elections offer citizens a chance to choose leaders who prioritize the public interest over personal gain. Voters should evaluate candidates based on their track record, honesty, approachability, and commitment to serving all community members without discrimination.
Decentralization thrives on the principle that decisions affecting a community are best made with the direct involvement of those who live there. Participating in these elections goes beyond filling political offices—it directly shapes local development, security, and service delivery.
The Ministry of Local Government remains committed to empowering Local Councils through policy support, capacity building, and institutional collaboration. Strong Local Councils build stronger Local Governments, leading to a more prosperous and resilient nation.
Call to Action: The Ministry encourages all eligible Ugandans to participate actively in the electoral process—whether by offering themselves for leadership or by voting peacefully and responsibly. The strength of our nation begins at the village level.
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