By Ben Musanje
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi has issued a stern warning to incumbent village chairpersons across the country, cautioning them against refusing to hand over office once defeated in the upcoming Local Council elections.
Speaking during his first press conference at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Tuesday, Barugahara said government would not tolerate any attempts by outgoing leaders at village and parish levels to obstruct peaceful transitions of power. He noted that government would not accept situations where defeated leaders refuse to relinquish office after elections.
The press briefing marked his first official media engagement since assuming office as Minister for Local Government, replacing Raphael Magyezi, who was dropped from Cabinet by President Yoweri Museveni on May 26, 2026.
Barugahara referenced President Museveni’s recent warnings to public officials during his swearing-in address in May, saying that discipline and accountability must begin from the lowest levels of leadership. He noted that they are not ready to lose their ministerial jobs over Local council leaders who disrespect the laws of this country. The former Youth and Children Affairs State Minister added that the government was working continuously to ensure smooth conduct of the upcoming elections and proper respect for leadership transitions at the village level.
The Minister’s remarks come as the Electoral Commission prepares to roll out nationwide elections for Administrative Unit Councils (Local Council I and Local Council II), following the expiration of their term on June 28, 2026.
According to the Commission’s roadmap, village and cell-level elections are scheduled for July 28, 2026, while parish and ward-level elections will be held on August 10, 2026.
Barugahara emphasized that village and parish leaders remain a critical pillar of Uganda’s governance system, serving as the first point of contact between government and communities. He explained that these leaders are responsible for maintaining security, registering citizens for national programmes, resolving disputes, monitoring service delivery, mobilizing communities, and supporting implementation of government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga.
He added that despite the expiration of their term, current leaders would continue performing their duties until new leaders are elected and formally handed over office under the supervision of district authorities.
The Minister also cautioned against leaders holding multiple political offices, citing provisions in the Local Governments Act, which prohibit individuals from holding political offices in more than one local government jurisdiction at the same time. He noted that once a person is elected to a higher council, their previous position automatically falls vacant.
He further stressed that proper handover procedures must be followed, including the transfer of official stamps and other instruments of authority to incoming leaders.
Following these legal clarifications, Barugahara called on the Electoral Commission to ensure that all necessary arrangements are made to facilitate smooth elections and orderly transitions.
He also urged citizens to participate actively in the electoral process, encouraging them to turn up in large numbers to vote for leaders committed to development and the government’s socio-economic transformation agenda.
State Minister for Local Government Justine Nameere, who accompanied Barugahara, reinforced the message, stating that defeated candidates should accept election outcomes peacefully and ensure proper handover of office responsibilities to the winners.
She emphasized that peaceful transitions at the grassroots level are essential for maintaining order and ensuring continuity of government programmes.
The strong remarks from the two ministers signal government’s renewed focus on enforcing discipline and orderly transitions at the lowest levels of governance, ahead of what is expected to be a highly contested round of local council elections across the country. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
