By Spy Uganda
Government has approved the extension of the term of office for Local Council I and II leaders, a move intended to ensure continuity of leadership and uninterrupted service delivery at the grassroots as preparations for local council elections continue.
The decision was taken during a Cabinet sitting held on 15 December 2025, in accordance with the Constitution and the Local Government Act, Cap 138.
The extension, which will run for a period not exceeding 180 days from 31 December 2025, applies to Local Council I and II leaders as well as Women Councils. It follows an earlier Cabinet-approved extension granted after the expiry of the councils’ term on 28 June 2025, which was due to lapse on 30 December 2025.
Government said the move is aimed at avoiding a leadership vacuum at the village and parish levels, where LC structures play a critical role in local administration, security coordination, dispute resolution, and community mobilization.
Officials noted that the extension provides sufficient time to complete preparations for the next phase of local council elections while maintaining constitutional order and stability within Uganda’s decentralized governance system.
In the same sitting, Cabinet approved the Budget Framework Paper (BFP) for the Financial Year 2026/27, setting the strategic direction for government spending and economic priorities.
The theme of the 2026/27 budget is “Full Monetization of Uganda’s Economy”, with a strong focus on commercial agriculture, industrialization, expanding and broadening services, digital transformation, and improved market access.
Government says the framework is designed to accelerate wealth creation, strengthen value addition, and deepen Uganda’s integration into regional and global markets, in line with Vision 2040 and National Development Plan IV (NDP IV).
Cabinet also approved a restocking programme for the Acholi, Lango and Teso sub-regions, as part of efforts to revive household livelihoods and boost agricultural productivity.
A total of Shs80 billion has been appropriated this financial year to support the initiative, which is expected to improve food security, restore productive assets, and enhance incomes in communities recovering from past economic and social disruptions.
The programme is seen as a key intervention in strengthening rural economies and promoting inclusive growth.
In another major decision, Cabinet approved the Magistrate’s Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability within Uganda’s justice system.
The proposed amendments will align the legal framework with the current judicial structure and empower the Chief Justice to better manage magisterial areas and oversee case transfers.
Government says the reforms are expected to promote timely, fair, and affordable access to justice, restore public confidence in the courts, and contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Collectively, the Cabinet decisions underscore government’s continued focus on strengthening grassroots governance, accelerating economic transformation, supporting post-conflict recovery, and reinforcing key national institutions as Uganda advances toward its long-term development goals.
