MPs are troubled by the Electoral Commission's failure to organize lower council elections and the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs committee has threatened to block the commission's budget this year in retaliation.
The committee members are particularly concerned that the Electoral Commission has failed to conduct lower local council polls since 2001.
During a Monday meeting with EC officials, led by their chairperson, Eng Badru Kiggundu, the legislators including Kabakumba Matsiko, the Bujenje MP, wondered why EC continues to postpone the lower local council polls without proper explanation.
Alex Byarugaba, the Isingiro South MP, supported Kabakumba. He tasked the commission to explain the postponement of the LC polls.
In his response, Sam Rwakoojo, the Electoral Commission secretary, said the commission received only Shs 7bn out of the Shs 44bn required for the LC I polls. He said the commission will hold the elections if parliament avails the needed funds.
Stephen Tashobya, the committee chairman, suggested that the prime minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, should appear before the committee to discuss the matter.
EC is also seeking about Shs 10 billion to conduct elections for women councils.
Last year, Parliament passed the Local Government (Amendment) Act 2014 to allow voters to queue up behind their candidates during local council elections.
Source