EC announces 2026 roadmap for LC1, LC2 and women council elections

22 June 2026, 6:14 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, has announced that elections for Local Council (LC) I and II, as well as women council elections, will be held in July and August 2026.

Speaking during a media briefing at the EC headquarters in Kampala, Byabakama confirmed that LC I elections will take place on 28th July 2026, while LC II elections will be held on 10th August 2026. The entire exercise is expected to cost Shs 56 billion.

He thanked Ugandans for their patience and acknowledged government support in ensuring continuity of local leadership without a vacuum.

“I welcome you here. We know this programme has been long awaited, and we thank the people of Uganda for the patience you have exhibited. We also appreciate government for ensuring that the mandate of LC leaders has been maintained in accordance with the law to avoid a leadership vacuum,” Byabakama said.

According to the EC, only Ugandan citizens who are registered voters aged 18 years and above will be eligible to participate.

The Commission also announced that it will compile village women’s council registers ahead of the elections. Residents are encouraged to register in person within their villages or cells of residence.

Registration for LC I elections will take place from 6th to 10th July 2026, supervised by village election officers appointed by the Commission.

Nomination of candidates for women village committees will run from 15th to 19th July 2026 at municipal councils, parishes and town councils between 9:00am and 5:00pm.

Campaigns will be held from 20th to 22nd July 2026, followed by polling on 23rd July 2026 through lining up.

The EC noted that Uganda has 71,214 villages.

Public servants intending to contest have been advised to resign at least 30 days before nominations.

Voting on polling day will run from 7:00am to 11:00am, beginning with voter verification, followed by briefings, voting and counting.

Byabakama also confirmed that the Commission is fully prepared for the Kalangala District by-election.