Political parties protest extension of LC polls

A section of political party leaders has criticized government’s decision to reallocate funds meant for conducting Local Council I and II elections to other priorities.

The reallocation was confirmed on Wednesday this week, by the Ministry of Finance Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi.

Addressing journalists earlier, Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi cited the lack of funds as one of the reasons for the further extension of the term of office for the LC 1 and 2 for another 180 days from tomorrow, January 6.

However, in a phone interview with KFM, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president Patrick Amuriat said this is a clear indication that the government has failed in its mandate of promoting democracy.

“Government is avoiding what it created in the sense that it has created a lot of villages and has now failed to actualize the elections. If they don’t consider them a priority, then they should tell the country,” Amuriat said.

Meanwhile, Democratic Party president and  Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Mr Nobert Mao has advised the government to start thinking of having more affordable elections.

The electoral commission had budgeted for Shs59 billion for conducting Local Council I and II polls across the country.

Written by Mike Sebalu