MPIGI — Fear and uncertainty have gripped residents and local leaders in Mpigi District following allegations that wealthy land brokers and money lenders are financing candidates in the upcoming LC1 chairperson elections.
Leaders from Kayabwe Town Council and Kituntu Sub-county claim the influx of money into the village elections is unprecedented, raising concerns over the fairness of the polls and the interests of individuals backing some candidates.
They allege that shortly after the Ministry of Local Government released the election roadmap, unfamiliar wealthy individuals, believed to be land brokers, started appearing in communities and supporting selected candidates for LC1 positions.
Former Kituntu Sub-county councillor Lawrence Mutebi said the sudden appearance of wealthy financiers has raised suspicion among local leaders.
“Before the elections were announced, these people were hardly visible. But immediately after government confirmed the LC1 elections, wealthy land brokers suddenly emerged from nowhere. We don’t know where they have come from or what their intentions are,” Mutebi said.
He claimed some candidates are spending large sums of money during campaigns, leaving residents questioning the source of the funds.
Kituntu NRM Chairperson Johnbosco Serwadda alleged that some land brokers and money lenders are sponsoring candidates in an attempt to gain influence over village leadership.
“We are worried because land brokers have sponsored their own candidates, giving them money and everything they need to win these elections. Their goal is to secure the village stamp and use it to frustrate residents,” Serwadda said.
He claimed the targeted candidates are mainly contesting against incumbent LC1 chairpersons who have previously opposed activities of land brokers and money lenders.
“Where an LC1 chairperson has never challenged them, they have not fielded a candidate. But anyone who has blocked their interests now has a heavily funded opponent. That is the pattern we are seeing,” Serwadda said.
The leaders fear that if candidates backed by powerful interests win, village stamps could be used to support activities that disadvantage residents, including land grabbing, illegal evictions and property disputes.
“If residents vote for these candidates because of money, the village stamp will end up in the hands of land brokers. We fear this could lead to increased land grabbing, illegal evictions, and property seizures,” the leaders alleged.
They urged voters not to be influenced by campaign cash, calling on residents to consider candidates’ ability to protect community interests.
“People can see the money being distributed, and they know who is behind it. We ask residents to vote wisely because once the elections are over, those same people may regret their decisions,” the leaders said.
Mpigi District has become a major area for land transactions due to its proximity to Kampala and rapid urban expansion, making land one of the most valuable assets in the area.
Local leaders believe the growing commercial interest in land has increased competition for influence at village level, with LC1 offices viewed as important structures in local land administration and community leadership.
