KAMPALA – The Ministry of Local Government has issued fresh guidelines on the swearing-in, hand-over, and taking-over of office by newly elected local government councils as the current term expires on May 12, 2026.
In a circular dated April 15, 2026, seen by Newzzone Publications Ltd , Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya directed all Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) and Town Clerks of cities and municipalities to ensure a smooth transition in line with the Constitution and the Local Governments Act.
“As you are aware, the Term of Office of the Current Local Government Councils will expire on 12th May 2026 in accordance with Article 291 (2) of the Constitution,” the PS stated.
Kumumanya reminded officials that Article 181(4) of the Constitution provides for a five-year term for local government councils, which ends simultaneously with the President’s term.
He emphasized that newly elected chairpersons, mayors, and councillors must take oaths before assuming office, as clearly outlined in the Fourth Schedule to the Local Governments Act, Cap. 138.
On the handover process, Kumumanya invoked Article 175 of the Constitution and the Public Service Standing Orders, 2021, requiring outgoing public officers to hand over duties to incoming ones.
“Under Section 186 of the Local Governments Act, Cap. 138, it is provided that an In-Coming Executive Committee shall before taking-over Office ensure that there is Formal Hand-Over from the Out-Going Executive Committee within 1 (one) week from the date of Expiry of the Term of Office of the Out-Going Executive Committee,” the circular reads.
The PS directed that the handover must include all government property under the custody or use of the outgoing officer, specific assignments and pending cases, as well as organizations or clients the officer interacted with during their tenure.
“Chief Administrative Officers / Town Clerks shall assist the Out-Going Chairpersons / City Mayors to prepare comprehensive Hand-Over Reports and oversee the actual Hand-Over of Office event,” Kumumanya added.
He further instructed that “The Out-Going District Chairperson / City Mayor should Hand-Over Office to the In-Coming District Chairperson / City Mayor upon being sworn in.”
The directive aims to prevent any leadership vacuum and ensure accountability during the transition period. Newly elected councils are expected to assume office between May 13 and 29, 2026.
CAOs and Town Clerks have been tasked with closely supervising the process to guarantee compliance.