Lwengo village chairperson resigns days before LC1 elections over security fears

What the report says

Nile Post reports that Vincent Bingo, the long-serving chairperson of Lwempaama Village in Lwengo District, has withdrawn from the Local Council I race only days before voting. Bingo, who the outlet says has led the village for about 40 years, said he was stepping aside because of fears for his safety and wanted another leader to take over.

According to the report, Bingo said his decision was not linked to his position in the NRM village primaries, where he was reportedly not challenged, but to alleged threats and intimidation. He claimed unknown vehicles had been following him and said residents had gathered at his home to help protect him. He also said the village stamp had been taken by sub-county authorities, after which he felt pressure had increased. Nile Post did not report any official response from the authorities or verification of the alleged threats.

Bingo apologised to supporters who expected to vote for him and asked them to back David Muhereza, also known as Light Pink, saying he believed Muhereza could serve the community. The report says Muhereza has since stepped up door-to-door campaigning and urged voters to participate on election day.

The withdrawal leaves Muhereza and Hamza Kasozi as the reported contenders for the Lwempaama LC I chairperson position, with voting scheduled for Tuesday. The development matters because LC I leaders are the first layer of local government in Ugandan villages, often handling community mobilisation, dispute resolution and liaison with higher local authorities. Nile Post says some residents are worried that the sudden change has unsettled the village.