Ntungamo District Focuses on Reconciliation Post-LC1 Elections

With the recent Local Council I (LC1) elections now concluded in Ntungamo District, the focus has shifted from intense campaigning and vote counting to the crucial tasks of resolving election disputes and promoting reconciliation among communities.

Residents, having waited eight years for these grassroots elections, are now looking to their newly elected village leaders to deliver on promises of integrity and effective service under the banner of “kisanja no sleep, no corruption.”

The Ntungamo Electoral Commission offices have seen a flurry of activity as defeated candidates and their agents lodge complaints, with some even calling for repeat elections in disputed areas. Honest Baguma, the Returning Officer, confirmed that 35 complaints have been received, stating the commission is addressing concerns from those dissatisfied with the process.

Despite the challenges, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) secured a dominant victory, claiming approximately 87 percent of the LC1 chairperson positions across the district’s 1,033 villages. Independent candidates secured 139 seats, with smaller parties like ANT and PFF taking the remaining few.

Political analyst Perez Rumanzi has advised the government to provide training for the newly elected chairpersons to ensure they understand and operate within their legal mandates. This aims to prevent any overreach of authority at the village level.

Echoing the need for unity, Rushenyi County MP Naomi Kabasharira urged both victors and vanquished to reconcile and collaborate for the betterment of their communities. She stressed that this unity is paramount for effective service delivery and encouraged leaders to practice fairness, inclusivity, and peaceful coexistence, while strictly avoiding corruption and abuse of power.

Newly elected village chairpersons have pledged to uphold the “kisanja no sleep, no corruption” ethos, committing to diligent community service, effective implementation of government programs, and ethical use of their official stamp for the benefit of residents, not personal gain.

This report is based on information from Nile Post.