UHRC urges Ugandans to turn up for LC I elections

28 July 2026, 9:10 am

By Frank Oyugi

The Uganda Human Rights Commission has called on all registered Ugandans to turn up and vote in the Local Council I (LCI) elections, describing village councils as the foundation of democracy and community leadership.

Speaking ahead of the polls, Uganda Human Rights Commissioner Crispin Kaheru said LC I structures serve as the first point of response to everyday community challenges, including land disputes, domestic violence, theft and neighbourhood conflicts.

“The quality of life in every village depends, in part, on the quality of leadership its people choose,” he said. “Strong villages build a stronger Uganda.”

The Commission urged citizens not to disengage after voting, encouraging them to save the contacts of their LC I Chairpersons, familiarise themselves with their village leaders and, where possible, join or establish village WhatsApp groups to strengthen communication, improve emergency response, enhance neighbourhood security and support community mobilisation.

The Commission also appealed to voters to exercise their democratic rights peacefully by respecting the law, rejecting violence, intimidation and hate speech, while respecting the choices of others.

It reminded Ugandans that while elections are temporary, communities remain permanent.

“Vote with your conscience. Tomorrow’s opponent will still be your neighbour. Let us protect our peace, strengthen our villages and continue building a safer, stronger Uganda together,” the Commission said.