Staff Reporter
Former Bukimbiri parliamentary contender James Owebeyi Mugyemanyi has threatened to sue the government over repeated extensions of local council elections.
On July 2, 2024, with local council terms nearing expiration, the Ministry of Local Government extended their tenure by 180 days for the third time, citing financial constraints. Minister Raphael Magyezi noted that the Electoral Commission required 50 billion Ugandan Shillings to conduct the elections.
Owebeyi criticized the government’s justification, arguing that the current election process does not warrant such substantial funding, especially when it involves taxpayers’ money.
He also condemned the Attorney General for failing to uphold constitutional mandates and called on the courts to nullify the extensions and compel the government to hold the elections promptly.
Owebeyi warned that Uganda risks becoming similar to conflict-ridden and authoritarian regimes like the Democratic Republic of Congo if such governance issues persist.
