Former Bukimbiri MP Aspirant Owebeyi Sues Government Over Illegal Extension of Local Council Elections

Summary:

• The Ministry of Local Government extended the local council terms for the third time on July 2, 2024, citing financial constraints amounting to 50 billion Ugandan Shillings required by the Electoral Commission to proceed with the elections.

---

KISORO: The Former Forum for Democratic Change Party Bukimbiri parliamentary aspirant, Counsel James Owebeyi Mugyemanyi, has taken legal action against the government in the High Court over repeated extensions of local council elections.

In his application, filed under Mbarara High Court Miscellaneous Cause No. 24 of 2024 on July 9, 2024, Owebeyi contends that the Minister of Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, acted unlawfully by extending the terms of LC1 and LC2 offices by 180 days, contrary to Ugandan law.

Owebeyi argues that the terms of office for LC1 and LC2 have already expired, and Minister Magyezi’s extensions lack legal justification. According to him, the Minister does not meet the requirements set out in Regulation 11A of the Local Government Councils Regulations 2023 to warrant such extensions.

He pointed out that some of the leaders in question are deceased, rendering the Minister’s extensions invalid for those positions.

Owebeyi emphasized the importance of justice, democracy, and adherence to the rule of law, principles which he believes the Minister and the government should uphold.

He criticized the government’s decision, asserting that the funding challenges cited do not justify delaying elections, especially when the country manages to fund more expensive parliamentary elections without issue.

Known for his successful legal challenges, including a notable case annulling the victory of Bukimbiri county’s Member of Parliament in 2022, Owebeyi warned that Uganda risks descending into governance challenges akin to conflict-ridden nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo if such issues persist.

The Ministry of Local Government extended the local council terms for the third time on July 2, 2024, citing financial constraints amounting to 50 billion Ugandan Shillings required by the Electoral Commission to proceed with the elections.

Owebeyi called upon the courts to nullify these extensions and compel the government to conduct the elections promptly, urging the Attorney General to fulfill constitutional duties.