Politics 22 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Electoral Commission Sets July 28 for LC I Elections After Six Extensions
The Electoral Commission has announced July 28, 2026, as the polling date for Village Local Council One (LC I) chairpersons, marking the end of a prolonged leadership vacuum. The government has released Shs56 billion to fund the nationwide exercise. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/ec-unveils-lc-i-lc-ii-election-roadmap-after-six-extensions-sets-july-28-polling-date-5504912
After years of delays and multiple extensions, the Electoral Commission (EC) has finally released a roadmap for the election of Village Local Council One (LC I) chairpersons and Women’s Councils across Uganda. The polls are slated for Tuesday, July 28, 2026, with the process officially kicking off on July 6 with the verification of residents and compilation of the Village General Voters Register.
The EC chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, announced the election date following the release of Shs56 billion by the government, which had previously hampered the organization of these crucial grassroots elections. Uganda’s last village and parish elections were held in 2018, and the terms of office bearers expired in July 2023, leading to six consecutive extensions.
These extensions, primarily six-month intervals, were criticized by various stakeholders who questioned the legality of decisions made by leaders serving on extended mandates. The registration process, which is free of charge, requires participants to be Ugandan citizens, at least 18 years old, ordinary residents, and willing to be members of the Village Council. Proof of identity, such as a National ID, will be necessary.
Aspiring LC I chairpersons can pick nomination forms from July 9 to July 14, with formal nominations scheduled from July 15 to July 19. Campaigns will run for eight days, from July 20 to July 27, with strict rules on public rallies within village boundaries.
Voting on July 28 will be conducted by voters lining up behind their preferred candidates, a method stipulated in the Local Government Act. The day’s activities include voter assembly, education, lining up for votes, and the declaration of the chairperson-elect, followed by the nomination and approval of the remaining 11-member Village Executive Committee. Elections for Parish (LC II) Chairpersons are scheduled for August 10, 2026.
Separate elections for Women’s Councils will progress from village to national levels between June and September 2026. The EC has urged all stakeholders to adhere to the roadmap for a smooth and transparent electoral process.