Religious leaders have urged candidates contesting for Local Council I (LC1) chairperson positions to prioritise the interests of voters and avoid making promises they cannot fulfil once elected.
The call was made by the Parish Priest of Mpigi Parish, Rev Fr Deogracius Kiibi, while presiding over Mass at Ssumbwe Village in Wakiso Sub-county, Wakiso District.
The service was organised by LC1 chairperson aspirant Mutebi Erisa to launch his election campaign.
"As you seek leadership, remember that the people are entrusting you with their future. Do not deceive them with empty promises only to abandon them after winning the election," Fr. Kiibi said.
The campaign launch was preceded by a peaceful procession through Ssumbwe Village by supporters of both the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate and independent candidate Mutebi Erisa.
Although residents had initially feared that rival processions could trigger confrontations when the groups met, supporters from both camps exchanged greetings before peacefully continuing with their campaigns.
Residents praised the display of political tolerance, describing it as an example of mature democratic competition.
During the Mass, Ssalongo Simon Mutebi Sserubiri, who had also been contesting for the LC1 chairperson position, announced his withdrawal from the race and endorsed Mutebi Erisa.
"I have decided to step aside because I believe Mutebi Erisa is better placed to move this village forward. Leadership should be about serving the community, not personal ambition," Sserubiri said.
He urged Ugandans to embrace issue-based politics and support elected leaders regardless of their political affiliations.
"We should stop treating politics like a war. Whoever wins should be supported so that together we can develop our communities and our country," he said.
Fr Kiibi also expressed concern over reports of excessive spending during LC1 election campaigns, saying the trend undermines the spirit of grassroots democracy.
"It is disturbing to see so much money being spent in village elections. This is something that deserves serious investigation. I urge voters to elect leaders based on integrity and competence, not money," he said.
The priest cautioned Mutebi Erisa against abusing public office if elected.
"If the people entrust you with leadership again, serve them with humility. Never become a burden to the very community that has given you the opportunity to lead," Fr. Kiibi advised.
Following prayers for his campaign, Mutebi Erisa pledged to provide honest, transparent and inclusive leadership.
"If elected, I will serve every resident without discrimination. People deserve justice, fairness and leaders who work for the common good rather than exploiting them," Mutebi said.
He acknowledged that his previous tenure as LC1 chairperson had shortcomings and promised to address them if given another opportunity.
"There are things I was unable to accomplish during my previous term. If the people give me another chance, I am committed to correcting those mistakes and completing the work we started," he said.
Residents who attended the campaign launch said they want leaders who prioritise development, accountability and public service. They criticised some previous leaders for putting personal interests ahead of community welfare and expressed hope that the next leadership would restore public trust.
Erisa Mutebi previously served as LC1 chairperson of Ssumbwe Village before being succeeded by Charles Kabanda, who is currently on remand over charges linked to a Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) operation at a poultry farm in which two people, including the farm manager, were killed and several others injured.
