By Jumah Kakomo
Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) welcomes the roadmap released by Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for the delayed elections of Women Councils, Local Council I (LCI) and Local Council II (LC II) after a period of suspense among the citizenries.
It should be recalled that last year, IEC released the roadmap for Women Councils elections and Political Parties massively invested, organized and held internal arrangements (primaries) across the country pending the nomination of their candidates which activity was surprisingly called off by IEC claiming that they lacked enough resources to facilitate the entire program.
Addressing the media at party headquarters Kampala on Wednesday, the party head of media and communications Faizo Muzeyi noted that UPC and other Political Parties suffered a big loss in that process pointing out the LC I elections which he says that there was no communication at all until the expiry of office by July this year. He says much as UPC observed that there was no goodwill, the Party advocated for an immediate but effective solution to avoid the vacuum as the LC I office is very vital in running the day-to-day administrative affairs of our people in the community and welcomed the extension of the term of office bearers (LC I) for six months by Government.
” It is our hope that this time round, IEC is ready and going to follow and implement the released LC I, LC II and Women Councils Elections Roadmap to its logical conclusion as obligated by the law,”Faizo said.
He adds that UPC would like to inform the general membership and confirm to the public that it is going to fully participate in the elections of LC I, II and Women Councils which are slated for 21st November 2023, 5th December 2023 and 14th November 2023 accordingly as per the IEC roadmap. For the Women Councils, elections will continue up to the National level as captured in the general electoral program.
Faizo further revealed that UPC now calls upon the Party Leadership at all levels and membership as well as the potential candidates to get ready for the new electoral road map which has just been released. He adds that this involves gearing up their mobilization, identification of potential members to carry the UPC flag and setting up campaign committees to coordinate and canvass votes for the Party candidates in the respective administrative units countrywide which calls for hard work and commitment.
“In case of more than one candidate, the Party shall hold primaries, and where possible, consensus is highly encouraged as was the case with the recently held Oyam North by-elections. We want to emphasize the message of the Party President and Lira City East Division MP. Hon. Jimmy Akena said that the most valued thing which Uganda has as an asset is her people whose welfare should be ensured and UPC is ready to serve the people of this nation diligently,” Faizo stated.
The party spokesperson Sharon Oyata Arach therefore appealed to the general public most especially the electorates to start with the forthcoming elections of local councils to give UPC a mandate by electing its candidates. She says this election shall allow renewal of office bearers and restore public confidence of dealing with elected leadership with a fresh term of mandate.
She revealed that it is equally going to help Political Parties to start preparations for 2026 Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections.
“To the Party Leadership and general membership at all levels, let us get to the ground, start grand mobilization and participate in all electorate activities leading to the elections of LC I, II and Women Councils elections,” Sharon stated.
