Bugisu Cultural Institution Launches Massive Mobilisation Drive Ahead of LC Elections
Speaking to Nile Chronicles, the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Hon. Steven Masiga, said the institution had embarked on an intensive mobilisation campaign to ensure that no resident of Bugisu is left behind during the electoral process.
The Bugisu Cultural Institution has committed itself to mobilising all eligible voters across the region to actively participate in the forthcoming Local Council (LC) elections scheduled for July 28, 2026.
Speaking to Nile Chronicles, the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Hon. Steven Masiga, said the institution had embarked on an intensive mobilisation campaign to ensure that no resident of Bugisu is left behind during the electoral process.
Masiga said the cultural institution, under the leadership of Umukuuka Jude Mike Mudoma II, considers civic participation a key responsibility and will complement the efforts of the Electoral Commission in encouraging people to exercise their democratic rights.
"I commit on behalf of the Umukuuka, the Cabinet of Bukuka and the entire Bugisu region that nobody will be left out. We have both cultural and constitutional mandates, as outlined in several provisions of the law, to mobilise our people to participate in all government programmes, including elections," Masiga said.
The Bugisu region comprises six districts and Mbale City, with more than 250 sub-counties and over 5,000 villages, making it one of Uganda's most populous regions. Masiga noted that the institution intends to utilise its extensive grassroots structures to spread awareness about the elections and encourage residents to participate as voters and candidates.
He commended the Electoral Commission for its extensive mobilisation efforts and for working closely with cultural leaders in the region.
"We want to appreciate the Electoral Commission for the massive mobilisation and for working closely with the cultural institution, especially the Elgon Regional Returning Officer, Hon. Sarah Mukwaya, and the Mbale City Returning Officer, Hon. Michael Arinaitwe.
On our part, we have a complementary duty to support them," he said.
Masiga reminded residents that the July 28 elections will involve the election of Local Council I and Local Council II chairpersons and their respective executive committees, positions that play a crucial role in grassroots governance and community development.
He urged all eligible residents to register and fully participate in the elections either as voters or candidates, calling for the election of leaders who will serve communities with distinction.
"We expect people who will serve their communities diligently. Those seeking leadership positions should avoid intimidation and instead make peaceful appeals to the electorate," he added.
In a rare and inclusive appeal, Masiga encouraged all legally registered residents living in the Bugisu region, regardless of their nationality or ethnic background, to participate in the electoral exercise.
He specifically called upon Chinese, Lebanese, Somalis, Kenyans, Indians, Eritreans, Ethiopians, Britons, Sudanese and Rwandese residing in the region and registered as voters to take part in the elections. He also appealed to neighbouring communities from Teso, Karamoja, Bugwere, Bunyole, Sebei, Lango, Acholi, Ankole and Kigezi, as well as the Bamasaaba, Bagisu in the diaspora and the Babukusu community, to participate actively in the democratic process.
The Bugisu Cultural Institution also applauded the security leadership in the Elgon sub-region for maintaining peace and stability, which has enabled electoral activities to proceed smoothly.
Masiga urged residents to remain calm and shun violence during the election period, emphasising that violence has no place in Uganda's democratic processes.
"We appeal to our people to remain peaceful during this exercise. Violence has no space in Ugandan laws. Let us ensure a peaceful electoral process for every participant," he said.
He concluded by calling upon all residents of the Bugisu region to turn up in large numbers on July 28, 2026, and elect leaders who will advance community development and strengthen grassroots governance.
"Let us participate fully and bring forward good leaders who will serve our communities faithfully and promote development across the entire Bugisu region," Masiga said.
The Local Council elections are expected to attract thousands of voters across the Elgon sub-region and will be a significant milestone in strengthening local governance structures and citizen participation at the grassroots level.
