UHRC Urges Ugandans to Vote in LC1 Elections, Citing Village Democracy

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has issued a strong call for citizen engagement in the forthcoming Local Council I (LC1) elections, highlighting the pivotal role of village-level leadership in Uganda’s democratic structure.

According to Uganda Human Rights Commissioner Crispin Kaheru, LC1 leaders serve as the initial responders to a myriad of daily community issues. These often include disputes over land, instances of domestic violence, petty theft, and general neighborhood disagreements.

“The quality of life in every village depends, in part, on the quality of leadership its people choose. Strong villages build a stronger Uganda,” Kaheru stated, underscoring the direct link between local leadership and national strength.

The UHRC encourages voters not to merely cast their ballots and disengage. Instead, the commission advocates for sustained involvement in community affairs through regular contact with elected LC1 chairpersons, staying informed about local leaders, and participating in or forming community communication platforms like WhatsApp groups.

Enhanced communication at the village level is expected to bolster emergency response capabilities, improve neighborhood security, and support broader community mobilization initiatives. The commission also urged voters to conduct themselves peacefully, adhere to the law, and reject violence, intimidation, and hate speech, while respecting the choices of fellow citizens.

Reminding Ugandans that elections are transient events while communities are enduring, the UHRC concluded with a message for peaceful participation: “Vote with your conscience. Tomorrow’s opponent will still be your neighbour. Let us protect our peace, strengthen our villages and continue building a safer, stronger Uganda together.”

Source: Nile Post