MBARARA: 86 New Lc1 Bosses Warned: ‘Don’t Misuse Village Stamps’

MBARARA — Newly sworn-in LC1 chairpersons in Mbarara City have been warned against the illegal possession and misuse of official village stamps, amid concerns that some former leaders are still using duplicated stamps after losing elections.

The warning was issued as 86 newly elected LC1 chairpersons in Mbarara City North Division were sworn into office at the Division headquarters.

Officials revealed that several cases involving the misuse of LC1 stamps have already been reported to police.

According to authorities, some former LC1 chairpersons who lost the recent elections have allegedly retained duplicate stamps and continued using them illegally, particularly on land agreements.

Police in Mbarara City North have reportedly received about eight cases linked to the alleged illegal use of LC1 stamps by former chairpersons.

Gumisiriza Kyabwisho, the Mbarara City Division Mayor, directed the Officer in Charge of the station and the Division Police Commander to arrest anyone found holding two stamps in a village.

He said the directive applies to former chairpersons who lost the elections as well as those who were re-elected.

Kyabwisho said the Division leadership has also opened a general inquiry file to investigate the matter.

“There are some former LC1 chairpersons who remained with the stamps which are illegal and they are using them. I have already instructed my OC station here and the DPC. Whoever has two stamps in his cell is at risk. Any time we shall arrest you,” Kyabwisho warned.

He told the newly sworn-in chairpersons that nobody should retain or use an LC1 stamp without having been sworn into office.

Chairman Africa receiving the stamp after swearing-in

He further urged the leaders to follow official guidelines when carrying out their duties to avoid legal problems.

The stamp controversy comes at a time when LC1 chairpersons are expected to play a key role in handling local administrative matters, including witnessing and authenticating community documents.

Meanwhile, Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi urged the newly elected chairpersons to reconcile with residents who did not support them during the elections.

Kakyebezi said the leaders must serve all residents equally, regardless of their political differences or voting preferences.

He warned the new leaders against using their offices to settle political scores or discriminate against residents.

“Use the stamps for all people without discrimination of who supported you or not. Don’t create or fuel confusion and conflicts in the village. The stamp is for all people,” Kakyebezi said.

He also cautioned the chairpersons against selectively stamping documents for particular individuals or groups.

The leaders were reminded that an LC1 office belongs to the entire community and not to the individuals who occupy it.

The Division leadership said it would continue monitoring the use of official stamps and take action against anyone found possessing or using an unauthorised stamp.

The crackdown is intended to prevent fraudulent documentation and protect residents from possible disputes arising from the illegal use of LC1 stamps.