Candidates contesting for LC1 positions in the Bunyoro sub-region have been warned against engaging in violence, hate speech and voter bribery as campaigns officially get underway ahead of the village elections. The Electoral Commission (EC) and security agencies issued the warning on Monday as candidates across the country launched campaign meetings and rallies following the conclusion of nominations.
Under the EC guidelines, all campaign meetings and public rallies must be held between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and confined to the candidate’s respective village. Hoima District Returning Officer Hassan Takwana urged candidates to comply with the electoral guidelines and conduct peaceful campaigns, warning that those who breach the rules risk disqualification.
Takwana cautioned candidates against using inflammatory language and hate speech, saying such conduct could fuel violence in communities where candidates and their families live. He stressed that elections are a serious civic process and called on politicians, religious leaders, civil servants, the media and security agencies to work together to ensure peaceful, free and fair elections.
In neighbouring Kikuube District, Returning Officer Emmanuel Twiine also warned candidates and their supporters against violence and hate speech during the campaign period. He further cautioned against voter bribery, describing it as a criminal offence that undermines the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.
Kiryandongo District Returning Officer Rashid Musinguzi said violence has no place in the electoral process, describing it as a threat to democracy and the constitutional right of citizens to choose their leaders. He urged candidates, their agents and supporters to remain calm and observe all campaign guidelines.
“We are ready to conduct the elections. However, we appeal to the candidates to maintain peace during the entire campaign period. Any form of violence will not be tolerated by the commission. Candidates should strictly adhere to the campaign guidelines issued to them by the Electoral Commission,” Musinguzi said.
Albertine Region Police spokesperson Julius Hakiza said security agencies are prepared to take action against anyone who disrupts the electoral process. “We shall not tolerate any form of indiscipline during the election campaigns. We are ready to decisively deal with all those intending to cause chaos during and after the campaign period. Candidates, their agents and supporters must maintain peace,” Hakiza warned.
The LC1 chairperson elections are conducted through the open voting system, where voters line up behind a candidate, the candidate’s agent, portrait, or symbol. The elections are a key stage in Uganda’s electoral cycle because LC1 chairpersons serve as the first link between citizens and government.
They oversee community security, mediate disputes, verify official documents, mobilize residents for government programmes and coordinate local development initiatives. Established under Article 176 of the 1995 Constitution and operationalized through the Local Governments Act, Local Councils are intended to promote citizen participation, accountability and decentralized service delivery-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
