EC chairperson urges Ugandans to participate in LC and Women Council elections

6 July 2026, 10:29 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, has called on Ugandans to actively participate in the upcoming Local Council (LC) and Women Council elections, describing them as an important part of grassroots governance.

Justice Byabakama made the remarks on Sunday while addressing worshippers during the 10:00 a.m. Mass at Lubaga Cathedral in Kampala, where he briefed the congregation on the electoral process and voter requirements.

“I thank the Archbishop for giving us this opportunity to educate Christians and the country at large about the importance of the forthcoming Local Council and Women Council elections. I urge everyone to participate because if you do not, those who take part in the village council meeting will make decisions on your behalf, and whatever is decided by the village council is legally binding,” he said.

He reminded residents that the elections will be conducted by lining up behind candidates and advised voters to remain at the polling venue after casting their vote.

“After voting, do not leave immediately because the elected chairperson will appoint committee members, and it is the village council members present who will approve those appointments,” Byabakama explained.

The Electoral Commission Chairperson also clarified that only people registered in the village register will be eligible to participate.

“We are not going to use the national voters register for these elections. You must first register as a member of your village. I also appeal to everyone to maintain peace before, during and after the elections because Uganda is a peaceful country,” he said.

Byabakama revealed that the government has allocated UGX 56 billion for the electoral exercise, with a significant portion of the funds earmarked for operational costs and payment of election officials. He said each election official will receive UGX 10,000 per day as an allowance.

According to the Electoral Commission, the village registration exercise begins today and will run until 10 July 2026, while polling for Local Council I, Local Council II and Women Council elections is scheduled for 28 July 2026.

Uganda has more than 71,000 villages, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). There is no nomination fee or minimum academic qualification required for anyone seeking these positions. Candidates must, however, be Ugandan citizens aged 18 years and above and registered members of their respective villages.

During his homily, the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, urged Ugandans to continue praying for the country, saying the current challenges facing the nation require God’s guidance and intervention.