The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development has revealed a re-allocation of funds originally earmarked for the crucial local council 1 (LC1) and local council 2 (LC2) elections nationwide in an unexpected turn of events.
The anticipation surrounding these elections, initially expected early this year, has been met with a setback. The Ministry of Local Government found itself compelled to extend the term of office for administrative units responsible for both LC1 and LC2 elections by an additional 180 days, now extending into early April.
These elections had previously received a six-month extension from July 2023, providing the government with the necessary time to gather the required resources before the polls’ anticipated commencement at the beginning of this year.
Local Government Minister, Mr Raphael Magyezi, expressed his concern, pointing out that despite the Ministry of Finance’s announcement in October regarding the release of funds for the elections, the allocated funds have not yet reached the Electoral Commission (EC).
“I am aware in November, the Ministry of Finance indicated that it had released some money to the Electoral Commission (EC) to conduct the elections but as I speak now, I have been in touch with the EC, this money has not been released to them,” Magyezi explained.
To circumvent the financial challenges hindering the polls, Minister Magyezi invoked regulation 11A (d) of the Local Government Council Regulations, extending the term of office for administrative unit councils (Local Council 1 and Local Council 2) for an additional 180 days from January 6, 2024.
Mr Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary in the Finance Ministry, defended the reallocation, citing government priorities and fiscal consolidation. He emphasized that the funds allocated for the elections would be reconsidered in the future as the government focuses on immediate priorities, including economic recovery and addressing infrastructure gaps.
In a surprising revelation, Ggoobi contradicted his October announcement of releasing UGX 58 Billion for the exercise, stating that current government priorities have shifted. He underscored the need to fix roads, fund the Parish Development Model (PDM), facilitate unobstructed return to school for children, and attend to other pressing matters.
Last April, EC chairperson Simon Byabakama informed Parliament’s Legal Committee about plans to conduct LC1 and LC2 elections in the 2023/2024 financial year, but no appropriation was made in the Budget. Despite government assurances of fund allocation, Justice Byabakama confirmed that the EC has not received any funds for the elections.
Opposition’s Perspective
In a critical stance, Mr Joel Ssennyonyi, the incoming Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, condemned the government’s handling of taxpayers’ money. He accused the government of misappropriation and urged those responsible for reallocating funds meant for LC elections to face parliamentary scrutiny.
“One of the biggest challenges with this government is the way they deal with the taxpayers’ money…whoever has taken over the role of Parliament to reallocate money meant for LC elections must come to Parliament and explain how and why they are breaking the law in a manner so wanton,” Ssennyonyi asserted.
