By Diana N.Kintu
The Ministry of Local Government has issued guidelines to facilitate the transition from outgoing to newly elected local government councils following the conclusion of the 2026 general elections.
According to a statement signed by Raphael Magyezi, the current councils will officially end their term on 12 May 2026, coinciding with the swearing-in of President-elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Outgoing district chairpersons, city mayors, municipal mayors and other council leaders have been instructed to prepare comprehensive handover reports and surrender all government assets in their possession to Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) or town clerks by the deadline.
“Outgoing chairpersons are required to hand over all government assets in their possession to the respective Chief Administrative Officers or town clerks by the stated date,” the statement emphasised.
In line with Article 291(2) of the Constitution, newly elected local government councils will assume office between 13 and 29 May 2026. CAOs and town clerks have been directed to ensure a smooth and orderly transition process, while also providing guidance to lower local governments to ensure compliance with the Local Governments Act, Cap. 138.
Mr Magyezi commended the outgoing councils for their contribution to national development.
“The tireless efforts of your leadership contributed immensely to the achievements of the National Resistance Movement government and responded to the aspirations of the people of Uganda,” he said.
The ministry underscored that the transition process is not merely procedural but is essential for ensuring continuity in service delivery and socio-economic transformation. Officials noted that the handover process will strengthen accountability, preserve institutional memory and enable incoming councils to build on the achievements of their predecessors.
The directive applies to all levels of local government, including town councils and sub-county councils. Resident District Commissioners, Members of Parliament and other stakeholders have also been copied on the communication to ensure oversight and compliance.
According to the statement, the ministry remains committed to consolidating the gains made by outgoing councils while supporting new leaders in advancing Uganda’s decentralisation agenda. “We look forward to building on the achievements of the outgoing local government councils to further the socio-economic transformation of our country,” Mr Magyezi concluded.