2026 LC Elections: Ministry Calls for Grassroots Leaders of Integrity and Accountability

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reports that the Ministry of Local Government has urged voters to choose Local Council I and Local Council II leaders who demonstrate integrity, accountability and a commitment to public service as Uganda heads into LC elections on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. The appeal was made in Kampala by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ben Kumumanya, ahead of voting that the outlet says is taking place across all 105 districts.

According to the report, Kumumanya linked the strength of Uganda’s decentralised governance system to the quality of leadership at village and parish level. He said local councils are the government structures closest to citizens and play a key role in helping public programmes reach intended communities. The ministry also cautioned voters against commercialised politics, saying candidates should be judged by character, record and willingness to serve rather than personal gain.

The article highlights the responsibilities of LC I and LC II leaders, including community mobilisation, local dispute resolution, sanitation promotion, security support and monitoring public service delivery. It says their role is particularly important for government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga and health campaigns, which rely on local mobilisation and oversight.

Watchdog Uganda further reports that the ministry framed the elections as part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability and reduce misuse of public resources in local governments. Kumumanya said anti-corruption efforts must start in communities, where grassroots leaders can monitor projects and report abuse. The development matters because village and parish councils are a central link between national policy, district administration and day-to-day service delivery.