By Alice
The LC1 Chairperson of Kitumba Kaihokwa Cell in Fort Portal City, James Ruhweza, who is seeking re-election, has called on the Electoral Commission of Uganda to provide adequate time for candidates to campaign ahead of the forthcoming Local Council I (LCI) elections. According to the Electoral Commission, the LC1 elections are scheduled to take place in April this year after several postponements caused by funding constraints.
Speaking to our reporter, Ruhweza said that sufficient campaign time will allow candidates to effectively engage with voters and present their manifestos before the elections. Ruhweza also expressed support for the voting by lining up method that will be used during the elections, saying it promotes transparency and fairness in the electoral process while helping to safeguard voters’ choices.
However, Ruhweza criticized Members of Parliament over what he described as inadequate allowances for local leaders. He noted that LC1 chairpersons receive only 10,000 shillings as a monthly allowance, which he said is insufficient for leaders who serve communities at the grassroots level.
He claimed that Members of Parliament are responsible for determining such allowances, yet they themselves earn much higher salaries and benefits. Ruhweza therefore called on the government to review and increase the allowances of local council leaders to enable them effectively serve their communities.
He further condemned what he termed as the luxurious lifestyles of some legislators, questioning why many MPs drive expensive vehicles while LC1 chairpersons are provided with bicycles to facilitate their work. According to Ruhweza, such disparities undermine grassroots leadership and hinder effective service delivery.