Butambala LC1 Chairpersons Demand Official Vehicles, Citing Poor Facilitation

Village chairpersons in Ngando Sub-county, Butambala District, are voicing their frustration over inadequate working conditions, which they argue severely hamper their ability to serve their communities effectively. The local leaders have made a direct appeal to President Museveni, urging the government to upgrade their facilitation.

Central to their demands is the provision of official vehicles, with a specific request for double-cabin pickup trucks. The chairpersons contend that their current reliance on bicycles is no longer practical for the extensive public service duties they perform. They draw a parallel to other government officials who receive official transport, suggesting their roles warrant similar recognition and logistical support.

These concerns were highlighted during a recent meeting convened by Esther Ruth Nakibuule, the Ngando Sub-county Chairperson and NRM Chief Whip. The gathering, which included both incumbent and aspiring LC1 leaders from 24 villages, focused on assessing leadership performance, preparing for the upcoming LC1 elections, and addressing the persistent challenges faced by village leaders.

Beyond transport, leaders lamented the absence of salaries and the limited support from both government and party structures. This lack of resources, they stated, has diminished the engagement of some chairpersons, with a few reportedly considering shifting their allegiance. They emphasized their role as the primary point of contact for residents on critical issues like security, land disputes, and local conflicts, yet they operate without essential tools.

The leaders also called for official identification, branded attire, and other materials to bolster their visibility and authority. They pointed out the disparity in government facilitation, contrasting the vehicle grants for MPs and official vehicles for District Chairpersons with their own lack of reliable transport. This disparity, they argued, is unjust given that LC1 chairpersons often handle significant grassroots security matters, similar to facilitated administrative and security officials at higher levels.

The appeal underscores a broader call for enhanced support to strengthen local administration and improve grassroots security across the district. The chairpersons believe that prioritizing their facilitation will lead to more robust and effective local governance.

Source: Nile Post