Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has sounded the alarm over a government move to extend the tenure of Local Council I and II leaders by 180 days, warning that it could be a precursor to postponing national elections and undermining constitutional order.
In a strongly worded social media post, Lukwago lashed out at the statutory extension issued by the Ministry of Local Government, describing it as a “flagrant violation of the Constitution.”
“Before we know it, these people will be issuing statutory instruments extending Mr. Museveni’s Government and Parliament without elections??? This is a flagrant violation of the Constitution, which ought to be challenged by all peace-loving Ugandans,” Lukwago wrote.
His comments come in response to a 24th June 2025 Uganda Gazette notice signed by Minister of Local Government, Hon. Raphaël Magyezi, which extends the term of Local Council leaders for up to 180 days beyond the original expiry date of 28th June 2025.
The last elections for Local Council I and II were held in 2018, following nearly two decades without such polls. Their five-year mandate was initially supposed to end in 2023 but was extended administratively, a move that has since drawn legal and political scrutiny.
Lukwago’s criticism reflects growing concern among opposition figures and civil society actors that the government may increasingly rely on statutory instruments to delay elections and weaken democratic accountability.
