NRM Mpigi Chairperson Warns Voters Against Electing Land Grabbers as LC1 Leaders

What the report says

Nile Post reports that NRM Mpigi District Chairperson Sulayiman Kaweesi has cautioned residents against choosing Local Council 1 leaders who may be linked to land grabbers or other private interests. Speaking during a mobilisation meeting in Kituntu Sub-county, Kaweesi urged voters to base their choices in the upcoming LC1 chairperson and women’s committee elections on integrity, public service and trustworthiness rather than money or influence.

According to the report, Kaweesi alleged that some candidates have been backed by land grabbers, money lenders and other powerful people seeking to use village offices for personal gain. He warned that electing such leaders could deepen land conflicts in Mpigi, where village-level leaders often play an important role in handling local disputes and identifying community interests.

Mawokota South MP Suzan Nakawuki, who attended the meeting, also raised concern that Mpigi’s growth and its proximity to Kampala have increased demand for land. Nile Post reports that she said some wealthy buyers target vulnerable residents, contributing to cases where multiple people claim the same property. She urged voters to elect LC1 leaders who can help protect residents’ rights rather than worsen disputes.

The leaders also appealed for peaceful elections and asked voters to reject intimidation and violence. Nile Post says Uganda is set to hold LC1 chairperson, village committee and LC2 elections on July 28, with campaigns taking place after nominations. The report frames the contests as significant because village leaders are often the first point of contact in community governance, including land-related conflicts.