Remanded LC1 Chairperson Re-elected Unopposed in Mbale City

What the report says

Nile Post reported that voters in Gudoi Cell, Mbale City, have returned Moses Makanga as their Local Council One chairperson while he remains on remand at Malukhu Government Prison. Makanga, who stood on the National Resistance Movement ticket, was re-elected without opposition in the just-concluded LC1 polls, despite facing murder charges connected to the alleged mob killing of a suspected thief.

According to the report, Makanga is charged alongside other suspects, all of whom have denied the accusations as the matter continues before court. Residents who supported his return said they were relying on his past record in the community and wanted the legal process to determine the allegations against him. Nile Post noted that Makanga had earlier secured the NRM flag after winning the party primaries.

The article said Makanga has named an 11-member executive committee to run Gudoi Cell’s affairs while he is in custody. A resident, Samuel Bukuwa, told Nile Post that a delegation visited Makanga in prison to share the election outcome and later obtained his approval for the committee list before submitting it to the Electoral Commission. Another resident, Sam Wodero, described him as a leader with strong community ties.

The development has attracted attention because it highlights how local political support can continue even when an elected leader is facing serious criminal proceedings. As Nile Post noted, Uganda’s legal system presumes accused people innocent unless convicted by a competent court. For now, the committee is expected to handle day-to-day local administration as Makanga’s case proceeds.