Sembabule Village Council Elections Suspension Sparks Protests in Uganda

• Residents of Katoogo Village in Sembabule District have protested the suspension of village council elections, demanding fresh polls.
• The Electoral Commission has given a different account of why polling was suspended, citing disruptions and destruction of the voters' register.
• Former chairperson David Senkima's continued use of the official village stamp raises concerns about potential legal problems for him.

We want elections to be held immediately so that we can get leaders to represent us. We do not understand why the Electoral Commission cancelled our election without giving us a clear reason.

The residents of Katoogo Village in Sembabule District have been left without an elected local council, creating a leadership vacuum that has sparked protests and demands for fresh elections. The village council elections were suspended, leaving the community without representation or decision-making authority. This situation has led to frustration among the residents, who are calling for immediate elections to choose leaders who can address the challenges affecting their community. They want to elect new leaders who will represent them effectively and make decisions that benefit the community as a whole.

The Electoral Commission has given a different account of why polling was suspended in Katoogo Village. According to Suzan Asimwe, the district's deputy EC boss, voting was disrupted after residents protested on polling day and allegedly destroyed the voters' register. This chaotic situation forced electoral officials to suspend the election. The Electoral Commission also received written complaints from some Katoogo residents requesting that the election be cancelled for various reasons. These complaints were forwarded to the Electoral Commission Chairperson for guidance, and district officials are awaiting a decision.

The continued use of the official village stamp by former chairperson David Senkima has raised concerns about potential legal problems. Asimwe clarified that Senkima currently has no authority to use the village stamp because Katoogo has no elected leadership. This situation highlights the need for fresh elections to be held as soon as possible, allowing the community to elect new leaders and resolve the current leadership vacuum. The residents are now waiting for the Electoral Commission to provide guidance on when the suspended elections will be held.

Lawyers should be aware that the continued use of the official village stamp by former chairperson David Senkima could create legal problems for him, and advise clients to monitor the situation for any developments on when fresh elections will be held.

Source: Original reporting via Nile Post