Preparations complete for LC1 elections in Amolatar district

27 July 2026, 6:30 pm

By Sarah Ejang

Amolatar District is set to conduct Local Council I (LCI) elections tomorrow, with all preparations finalised for voting across its 581 villages.

The District Returning Officer, Nakiru Irene Hope, confirmed that polling stations will be operational throughout the district to ensure that all registered voters have access to cast their ballots.

More than 64,000 residents are registered to vote in the elections, comprising 31,677 men and 32,519 women. Voter registration officially closed ahead of the polls, and no additional names will be added to the register.

Nakiru described the elections as highly competitive, with candidates from several political parties, alongside independents, contesting various positions. The candidates include 270 from the National Resistance Movement (NRM), 86 from the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), eight from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and 180 independent candidates.

She noted that the ruling National Resistance Movement has the highest number of unopposed candidates. However, she explained that should any unopposed candidate withdraw before polling begins, elections will still be conducted in the affected area.

Nakiru also confirmed that the Electoral Commission will deploy the same experienced team that successfully managed the recent Women Council elections to supervise tomorrow’s polls.

She further emphasised that voting must take place strictly within each designated village.

However, exceptions will be made for a few hard-to-reach areas, where up to three neighbouring villages may be merged into a single polling station to enhance voter safety and facilitate the electoral process.

The District Returning Officer also cautioned candidates against the commercialisation of the electoral process, saying strict measures have been put in place to prevent and address vote-buying and other forms of electoral malpractice.

Meanwhile, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Okello Odoki Francis Rwotlonyo, assured the public that security arrangements have been strengthened to ensure a peaceful voting environment.

He warned that anyone intending to disrupt the elections would face the full force of the law, stressing that security agencies would respond firmly to any acts of violence or disorder during the polling exercise.

He revealed that a significant number of both uniformed and plain-clothes security personnel will be deployed to polling stations across the district to conduct patrols and maintain security throughout election day.

Officials have urged residents to exercise their democratic right peacefully by participating in the Local Council I (LCI) elections in a lawful and orderly manner, while contributing to the district’s peace, stability and development.