LC1 Candidates Urged to Prioritise Integrity as Wakiso Village Campaigns Intensify

What the report says

Nile Post reports that religious leaders in Wakiso District have called on candidates in the Local Council I chairperson elections to put voters’ interests first as village-level campaigns gather pace. The appeal was made by Rev Fr Deogracius Kiibi, Parish Priest of Mpigi Parish, during a Mass at Ssumbwe Village in Wakiso Sub-county. The service was organised by LC1 aspirant Mutebi Erisa to launch his campaign.

According to the report, Fr Kiibi warned candidates against misleading voters with promises they cannot deliver and raised concern about heavy spending in LC1 campaigns, saying such practices weaken grassroots democracy. He urged residents to choose leaders on the basis of integrity, competence and service rather than money, and cautioned Mutebi against misusing office if elected.

The campaign launch followed a peaceful procession through Ssumbwe by supporters of Mutebi, who is running as an independent, and a National Unity Platform candidate. Nile Post reported that residents had feared possible clashes when rival groups met, but the supporters greeted one another and proceeded without incident. Ssalongo Simon Mutebi Sserubiri, another aspirant, announced during the Mass that he was leaving the race and backing Mutebi, while urging issue-based politics and cooperation after elections.

Mutebi pledged inclusive and transparent leadership if returned to office, acknowledging that his previous term as LC1 chairperson had shortcomings he wanted to address. The report also notes that Mutebi previously led Ssumbwe before being succeeded by Charles Kabanda, who is currently on remand over charges connected to a UPDF operation at a poultry farm in which two people were killed and others injured.