The Electoral Commission is seeking for the provision of 7 billion Shillings required to organize elections in the six new districts whose operations start on July 1, 2017.
These are part of 21 new districts created in the run up to the 2016 general election whose operationalization however was phased due to financial constraints.
They include; Namisindwa to be carved out of Manafwa, Pakwach from Nebbi, Butebo from Pallisa, Rukiga from Kabale, Kyotera from Rakai and Bunyangabu from Kabarole District.
The districts are expected to elect Women Members of Parliament, District chairmen and councilors. The electoral law requires that all leaders must be elected within two months of the operation of the district.
However, the EC Chairman Simon Byabakama says the commission is yet to secure funding for the polls. He says that the absence of funding could delay elections in the new districts, subsequently depriving citizens of a voice, political representation and services.
According to Secretary Electoral commission Sam Rwakoojo, The Electoral Commission had proposed 122 billion Shillings as its budget, however only 58 billion has been approved for activities during the financial year 2017/2018. The 7 billion meant for elections is listed among unfunded priorities.
He says the commission should not be seen to be failing in its mandate simply because money cannot be provided for it. Also to start in financial year 2017/18 is six town councils which never took off in the current financial year due to lack of planning data and demarcation conflicts. The new town councils are Buwangani, Buyinza, Rubuguri, Buheesi, Kyankwanzi and Rubanda.
