Residents of Kyotera Town Council in Kyotera District are expressing frustration with the Electoral Commission (EC) over the prolonged delay in appointing a new chairperson for the council.
According to the law, when an LC3 chairperson passes away, they should be replaced within six months. However, it has been over a year since Dr. Fred Muzito, the previous chairperson, died of cancer, and the position remains vacant.
The absence of a chairperson has led to a halt in various development projects in the area. Concerned residents are urging the EC to take immediate action and fulfill its responsibility.
Mr. Monday Lugumya, a resident and former chairperson of the town council, expressed his disappointment with the EC’s inaction, emphasizing the adverse impact on ongoing projects.
“It is now a year since our chairperson died and we don’t see any preparations being done to start the process of electing a new leader. Many projects have stalled due to lack of an LC3 chairperson,” Mr Monday Lugumya, a resident of the area and former chairperson of the town council, said on Tuesday.
Local politician Mr. Joseph Sseremba, who aspires to fill the vacant position, revealed that he has invested significant resources in mobilizing and reminding the electorate about the upcoming election.
He voiced his frustration with the delay in initiating the replacement process and urged the EC to prioritize the matter.
“I thought six months after the death of a chairperson, the process of replacing him would be initiated. To my dismay, the responsible authorities have not made it a priority,” he said, adding, “I have now spent close to Shs5m as I mobilise people not to forget that there will be an election. It’s unfortunate that people are now getting fed up with me. I pray that the EC comes up with a road map.”
Ms. Christine Kunihira, the Kyotera District registrar, acknowledged the vacant chairperson position and assured the community that a by-election would be conducted soon.
She explained that the delay in conducting the by-election is not unique to Kyotera and that patience is required while waiting for the official roadmap.
“The delay [to conduct the by-election] is not affecting Kyotera alone. There are also other areas where by-elections have not been conducted. However, when the road map is out, we shall inform our people, they just need to be patient,” she said.
Mr. Moses Bunnya, son of the late Dr. Muzito, expressed his own ambitions to follow in his father’s footsteps and serve as the chairperson of Kyotera Town.
He disclosed that he refrained from contesting in the previous election out of respect for his father but is now considering entering the political arena.
Highlighting the need for effective service delivery, Mr. Patrick Kintu Kisekuulo, the Kyotera District chairperson, emphasized the importance of appointing a new chairperson promptly.
He explained that the role of the chairperson is crucial in monitoring the work of the technical staff and ensuring efficient governance in Kyotera Town Council.