local government 2 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
LC1 Chairpersons in Njeru Urged to Open Bank Accounts for Public Funds
Newly sworn-in Local Council 1 chairpersons in Njeru Municipality have been instructed to open bank accounts for receiving public funds, moving away from cash and mobile money transactions to enhance transparency and accountability. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/lc1-chairpersons-urged-to-open-bank-accounts-for-public-funds-5580624
Newly elected Local Council 1 (LC1) chairpersons and councillors in Njeru Municipality, Buikwe District, are being directed to establish bank accounts for the management of public funds. This directive aims to bolster transparency and accountability within local governance.
Mr. Henry Ssekajja, the Division Town Clerk for Njeru Municipality, announced this change during the recent swearing-in ceremony for village leaders. He stated that his office will cease distributing funds via physical cash or mobile money. Instead, all payments will be channeled directly through bank accounts.
“This time, you must open bank accounts to receive the funds instead of using mobile money, to avoid complaints over non-payment,” Ssekajja emphasized, addressing potential issues with fund disbursement.
The Town Clerk also cautioned the leaders against misusing official stamps and imposing charges for essential services like recommendation letters. Furthermore, he reminded them to delegate serious criminal and land-related cases, such as murder and defilement, to the appropriate authorities.
However, Ssekajja stressed the importance of LC1 leaders in understanding their communities and resolving minor disputes, like petty theft, within the village rather than escalating them to the police. He urged them to actively engage in community problem-solving.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Chris Richard Kakwesi, advised the elected officials to serve all constituents impartially, irrespective of their political affiliations. He warned against corruption and encouraged leaders to promote government programs like Emyooga and the Parish Development Model to improve household incomes.
Some leaders, like Mr. Ernest Ssenyondo, an independent chairperson, called for an increase in the modest monthly allowance, citing its inadequacy for basic needs. Others, such as Mr. Robert Bogere Kiyaya (NUP), expressed a commitment to holding residents accountable and addressing idleness, particularly among the youth.