By Lumpe Media
KAMPALA – The Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, popularly known as Chief Muzzukulu, has urged Ugandans to turn out in large numbers and peacefully participate in the Local Council I (LC1) elections scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2026, describing the village polls as a crucial foundation for effective governance and national development.
Speaking during a media briefing at the ONC headquarters in Kyambogo on Monday, Hajjat Namyalo called on citizens, particularly the youth, women and first-time voters, to embrace their constitutional right by electing leaders who will champion government programmes, promote accountability and serve the interests of their communities.
“The future of every village begins with the leaders elected at the grassroots. I therefore call upon all Ugandans to wake up early, go to their polling stations, vote peacefully and choose National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders who are committed to development, unity, transparency and quality service delivery,” she said.
She emphasized that LC1 leaders remain the first point of contact between government and citizens, making the elections one of the most significant democratic exercises in the country.
“LC1 Chairperson is the President of the Village”
Hajjat Namyalo described the LC1 Chairperson as the “President of the village,” noting that the office carries enormous responsibility in mobilizing communities, resolving disputes and ensuring that government programmes reach the intended beneficiaries.
“The LC1 Chairperson is the president of the village. That is why Ugandans must vote wisely. Elect leaders who will work with government to transform your communities rather than individuals pursuing personal interests,” she said.
She cautioned voters against entrusting leadership to individuals involved in land grabbing, corruption or criminal activities, saying such leaders undermine development and frustrate government efforts to improve people’s livelihoods.
“Do not vote for land grabbers or people who protect thieves. Vote for leaders who will follow up on government programmes like the Parish Development Model, monitor health centres to ensure medicines are available, mobilise communities for development and speak on behalf of the people whenever services are lacking,” she added.
Arrive Early to Avoid Missing the Vote
The ONC Manager also appealed to voters to report to polling stations as early as 7:00 a.m., citing lessons from the recently concluded Women Council elections where voting reportedly ended early in several villages before many eligible voters had arrived.
“In some areas, voting was completed between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., leaving many people without an opportunity to vote. I encourage everyone to arrive at their polling stations early so that no one misses this important democratic exercise,” she said.
She stressed that every vote matters in determining the leadership that will guide villages over the next five years.
Warns Against Intimidation and Candidate Imposition
Hajjat Namyalo also cautioned politicians and senior NRM leaders against intimidating voters or attempting to impose candidates on communities, saying leadership should emerge through the free will of the people.
“No one should intimidate voters or dictate to communities whom they should elect. Every Ugandan has a constitutional right to choose leaders freely, and that right must be respected,” she said.
She urged security agencies and election officials to ensure a peaceful environment that allows citizens to exercise their democratic rights without fear or interference.
ONC Deploys Coordinators for Mobilisation
Hajjat Namyalo revealed that the Office of the National Chairman has deployed district and regional coordinators across the country to mobilise citizens to participate in the elections while monitoring the performance of NRM candidates.
She, however, clarified that the coordinators have not been sent to supervise or interfere with the work of the Electoral Commission.
“Our district and regional coordinators are on the ground to encourage Ugandans to vote and to monitor the performance of our NRM candidates. They are not Electoral Commission officials and will not interfere with the electoral process. Their assignment is purely mobilisation and observation,” she explained.
Strengthening Grassroots Democracy
According to Hajjat Namyalo, credible and peaceful LC1 elections are essential in strengthening Uganda’s democratic governance because village leaders play a central role in implementing government policies, maintaining law and order, mobilising communities for development and linking citizens to higher levels of government.
She said electing competent and trustworthy leaders would enhance the implementation of flagship government initiatives, including the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, wealth creation programmes and improved public service delivery.
As she concluded her address, Chief Muzzukulu urged Ugandans to think beyond personal relationships and elect leaders based on integrity, competence and commitment to serving their communities.
“The leaders you elect tomorrow will determine the direction of your village for the next five years. Vote carefully, vote peacefully and choose leaders you will never regret electing. Together, let us strengthen grassroots democracy and build prosperous communities,” she said.
