HOIMA — Leaders in Hoima District have called on residents to turn up in large numbers for Tuesday's Local Council I (LC1) elections, describing village leaders as the foundation of local governance and service delivery.
The appeal comes as the country prepares for the nationwide village elections, with police assuring the public of adequate security during the exercise.
Hoima District Chairperson Uthuman Mugisha said electing capable and honest LC1 leaders would help address challenges such as mob justice, theft and land grabbing.
"We have been experiencing mob justice and theft, and this is a sign of failed LC1 leadership because they are the first line of security. People should also vote for leaders with integrity who will not sign fraudulent land agreements," Mugisha said.
Dr Gerald Kasigwa urged residents not to abstain from the elections, warning that failing to vote would leave others to choose leaders on their behalf for the next five years.
"When you shun the exercise, it means other people will choose leaders for you. If you later fail to receive good services from your LC1 chairperson or they ask you for money to stamp your documents, you should remember that you did not participate in electing the right leaders," Kasigwa said.
Hoima City Secretary for Finance Idi Magezi advised voters to cast their ballots only in the villages where they are registered and ordinarily reside, warning that voting in the wrong villages could trigger unnecessary conflicts.
"During the recent Women Council elections, some people fought after they were found voting in villages where they do not live. People should remain in their respective villages and use this opportunity to free themselves from poor leadership where it exists," Magezi said.
Albertine South Regional Police spokesperson Julius Hakiza said security agencies had completed preparations to ensure peaceful elections across the region.
"We have held several meetings with security leaders to ensure the exercise is peaceful. Anyone planning to cause chaos should be warned because we are fully prepared to ensure peaceful elections throughout the region," Hakiza said.
The Local Council I elections will be held nationwide on Tuesday, with voters electing village chairpersons through the Electoral Commission's lining-up voting system.
