The Electoral Commission (EC) yesterday nominated candidates for parish and ward Local Council II (LC2) elections across the country, paving the way for campaigns that begin today.
In a statement posted on its official social media platforms, the EC said the election of Parish/Ward (LC2) chairpersons, as well as the nomination and approval of parish executive committee members, will be conducted according to the published electoral programme.
The commission said nomination forms for aspiring LC2 chairpersons were issued during the display exercise conducted between July 30 and 31.
EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi clarified that only those elected to the Local Council I (LC1) executive committees, including chairpersons, are eligible to contest for LC2 chairperson positions.
However, he said members representing Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are not eligible because they already attained leadership through those structures.
‘The people eligible to contest for the LC2 chairperson position are members of the LC1 executive committee, including the chairperson, except those representing Special Interest Groups.
After the chairperson is elected, six committee members are nominated to serve on the executive committee,’ Mr Mucunguzi said.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Mr Ben Kumumanya, said the LC1 and LC2 structures remain the foundation of Uganda’s decentralised governance system by bringing leadership and decision-making closer to communities.
He said the structures enable citizens to identify development priorities, monitor public service delivery and hold leaders accountable.
‘As Uganda prepares for the Parish/Ward (LC2) elections, citizens have another opportunity to strengthen this democratic foundation by electing leaders of integrity, competence and commitment to public service. The Ministry of Local Government continues to champion decentralisation as an effective approach to promoting good governance, accountability, inclusive development and citizen participation,’ he said.
Why LC2 matters The LC2 is the second tier of Uganda’s lower local government structure and operates at parish level, linking village councils (LC1) to sub-county administrations.
Among its key responsibilities are resolving local disputes, hearing appeals from LC1 courts, mobilising communities for government programmes and coordinating development initiatives at parish level.
The LC2 also serves as a local council court, handling minor civil and community disputes through a quorum of five members, including at least two women.
In addition, the council supports implementation of government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), immunisation campaigns and community sanitation drives.
Mr Kumumanya said the executive committees at LC1 and LC2 are structured under the Local Governments Act to ensure different aspects of community life are represented through designated office bearers.
‘This structure ensures that residents know where to seek assistance on specific community matters while promoting inclusive, accessible and responsive local governance,’ he said.
He added that lower local council leaders occupy a unique position because they are the closest elected leaders to the people and are often the first point of contact for resolving community concerns.