Funding clears key hurdle for long-delayed grassroots polls as Electoral Commission prepares roadmap
KAMPALA — Cabinet has approved a supplementary budget of Shs56.9 billion to facilitate the long-awaited conduct of LC1, LC2 and Women Council elections, paving the way for the renewal of grassroots leadership structures across the country.
The funding, according to government sources, is intended to support the Electoral Commission in organising the village, parish and women council elections, which are a cornerstone of Uganda’s decentralised governance system.
The decision effectively unlocks a key financial requirement that had stalled preparations for the polls, which are central to local administration, community mobilisation, and service delivery oversight.
Restoring Grassroots Leadership
The elections are expected to restore elected leadership at the lowest administrative levels, strengthening citizen participation in governance and enhancing accountability in local government structures.
LC1 and LC2 committees play a critical role in security coordination, dispute resolution, and implementation of government programmes at community level, while Women Councils are designed to promote women’s participation in decision-making and development processes.
Electoral Commission Roadmap Expected
The Electoral Commission is expected to release a detailed roadmap outlining nomination dates, campaign timelines, and polling schedules once final administrative arrangements are concluded.
Officials familiar with the process say the budget approval marks a significant step towards reactivating a long-delayed electoral cycle for lower local councils.
Push for Decentralised Governance
The development comes as government continues to emphasise strengthening decentralised governance structures as a means of improving service delivery and citizen engagement at the grassroots level.
Once implemented, the elections will fill leadership gaps in thousands of villages and parishes across the country, restoring formal local representation structures.
Further official communication from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the Electoral Commission is expected in the coming days.