Open Letter: New Local Government Minister Balaam Urged to Prioritize LC Elections

UgandaToday: Open Letter: New Local Government Minister Balaam Urged to Prioritize LC Elections

By John Bosco Mayinja

 “John Bosco Mayinja —  social commentator and public affairs advocate”]

The recent appointment of Hon. Balaam Barugahara as Uganda’s Minister of Local Government has generated optimism among many citizens who believe his grassroots mobilization experience could inject new energy into local governance structures across the country.

In an open letter addressed to the minister through Kawempe North Member of Parliament Hon. Elias Nalukoola, concerns have been raised regarding the long-delayed Local Council and Women Council elections.

“Open Letter To Hon. Balaam Barugahara

Minister of Local Government

Through: Hon. Elias Nalukoola, MP, Kawempe North
Date: May 26, 2026

Hon. Balaam Barugahara
Minister of Local Government
Republic of Uganda

RE: Congratulations and Appeal on LC I, LC II and Women Council Elections

Dear Hon. Minister,

Allow me to extend my sincere congratulations upon your appointment as Minister of Local Government.

Your energy, creativity, and demonstrated ability to mobilize people at the grassroots level have earned you admiration from many Ugandans. There is widespread hope that your leadership will introduce renewed momentum to local governance and strengthen the relationship between government institutions and ordinary citizens.

As you begin this important national assignment, I respectfully write on behalf of many residents of Kawempe Division and concerned citizens across Uganda to bring attention to a pressing matter that remained unresolved under the previous leadership.

During the tenure of your predecessor, commitments were made by the ministry regarding the organization of LC I and LC II elections, as well as Women Council elections. These structures represent the foundation of local democracy and remain the closest point of interaction between citizens and government.

Unfortunately, those commitments were not fulfilled before the expiration of the term, leaving numerous villages and parishes operating without fully legitimate elected leadership structures.

Our humble appeal is straightforward: kindly prioritize and commence preparations for LC I, LC II, and Women Council elections immediately after your confirmation and assumption of office.

These elections are urgently needed. Continued delays weaken grassroots governance systems, reduce accountability, and deny citizens the constitutional opportunity to freely choose leaders they trust and believe in.

Conducting these elections will not only strengthen local democracy but will also provide an opportunity for effective leaders to retain public confidence while allowing communities to peacefully replace those who may not have delivered on their responsibilities.

Honourable Minister, decisive action on this matter would restore public confidence in the Ministry of Local Government and send a strong message that government remains committed to democratic principles from the lowest administrative levels upward.

We remain ready and willing to support any efforts aimed at achieving this objective for the betterment of our communities and country.

Yours faithfully,

Mayinja John Bosco
Resident, Kawempe Division

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