The Democratic Party (DP) has called on the government to urgently amend Uganda’s electoral framework to integrate Local Council (LC1 and LC2) elections into the national electoral calendar, warning that continued delays undermine democratic governance and citizen participation.
These remarks were made on 24th March 2026, during the party’s weekly media briefing by DP Deputy National Legal Advisor, Counsel Kenneth Nsubuga Ssebagayunga, who said that aligning LC elections with other electoral processes such as Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and LC3 polls would improve planning, coordination, and nationwide participation.
“This will enable proper planning, participation, and preparedness by political parties and citizens alike,” he said.
Nsubuga noted that the current LC1 and LC2 leaders, elected in 2018, officially ended their mandate in 2023 but have since remained in office through multiple extensions due to funding and administrative constraints.
“These councils are essential under Section 50 of the Local Governments Act. They monitor service delivery, resolve local disputes, maintain law and order, and link citizens to higher levels of governance,” the DP Deputy National Legal Advisor emphasized.
The DP also welcomed the recent announcement by State Minister for Local Government, Victoria Rusoke, that the long-delayed LC1 and LC2 elections will be held by the end of April 2026, following a parliamentary plenary sitting presided over by Speaker Anita Among.
Additionally, the party raised concerns about electoral integrity, accusing some political actors of manipulating election outcomes and later seeking redress through the courts.
He condemned the manipulation of electoral processes and the use of courts to overturn the will of the people, urging the judiciary to uphold independence and integrity in line with the principles of rule of law and natural justice.
“It is unacceptable that some individuals rig elections and then run to the judiciary to overturn the will of the people so, grounded in the principles of the rule of law and natural justice, DP calls upon the judiciary to act with independence and integrity,’’ Nsubuga stated.
“We urge that justice take its full course without fear or favour, and reaffirm our commitment to legally and politically defend the rightful victories of our Members of Parliament,” he added.
On regional infrastructure, the party pointed to the recent groundbreaking ceremony led by President Yoweri Museveni and President William Ruto for the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway extension, warning that Uganda risks being left behind in regional integration efforts.
“Neighboring countries like Kenya and Tanzania have shown consistent commitment to modern railway infrastructure, while Uganda’s system remains underdeveloped and neglected,” the DP Deputy National Legal Advisor mentioned.
He cited the state of Uganda’s commuter rail services, including the line servicing Mandela National Stadium, as evidence of the country’s lagging investment in the sector and urged government to prioritize railway development to boost trade, lower transport costs, and support economic growth.
The DP also weighed in on the creative industry, commending progress on the Copyright Bill but questioning its long-term impact and implementation.
“Important questions remain like what are the true intentions of this law, and how will it benefit ordinary Ugandan artists, especially those in rural areas like Buhweju District?” he asked.
The party called for a comprehensive national strategy for the creative economy, including stronger content regulation, investment in production infrastructure, tax relief on equipment, and equitable funding mechanisms for artists.
Reaffirming its stance, the DP said it will continue advocating for democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive development.
“We remain committed to speaking out on issues affecting Ugandans and promoting policies that uphold justice, accountability, and national progress,” Nsubuga concluded.
As preparations for the LC1 and LC2 elections gain momentum, attention is expected to remain on electoral reforms, institutional integrity, and investment priorities across key sectors.
