Uganda Sets Dates for Local Council Elections This July

The State Minister for Local Government, Hon. Justine Nameere, announced that the elections for Local Council 1 (LC1) are slated for July 28, 2026, while Local Council 2 (LC2) elections will follow on August 10, 2026. This announcement was made during a statement to Parliament on Wednesday, July 7, 2026.

The current term for local council office bearers, which has seen several extensions, will conclude on June 28, 2026. The term is further extended until newly elected leaders are in place and a formal handover is completed. This extension is in line with Regulation 11A of the Local Government Councils Regulation, which allows for term extensions up to 180 days.

Minister Nameere highlighted that the Electoral Commission is actively engaged in public awareness campaigns across various media platforms but stressed the need for enhanced sensitization efforts. The Ministry of Local Government is collaborating with the Electoral Commission to develop an effective mobilization strategy to encourage high voter turnout.

Eligibility for voting has been clarified: only Ugandans aged 18 and above at the time of registration, who are residents of the village where they are registered, can participate. Voters will need a national ID, voter number, or application ID number. As per Section 123(2) of the Local Governments Act Cap. 138, LC1 and LC2 chairperson elections will be conducted using a lining-up system behind the candidate or their representative.

Concerns were raised by the Shadow Minister for Local Government, Hon. Patrick Okello, regarding the proper facilitation of police officers who will be deployed to ensure security during the elections. He warned that inadequate facilitation could lead to low morale and operational gaps.

In response, the Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, directed the Minister for Justice to consult on the electoral program and provide an update to the House. The Ministry of Justice’s role in supervising the Electoral Commission was emphasized.

Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4480/dates-local-council-elections-confirmed