Village and Parish Elections Set for Mid-2026
Uganda’s Electoral Commission has finalized the schedule for Local Council 1 (LC1) and Local Council 2 (LC2) elections. Voters will head to the polls on 28 July 2026 for village-level officials, followed by parish-level contests on 10 August 2026. These grassroots votes arrive after a series of term extensions for current office holders, whose official mandates expired on 28 June 2026.
Legal Extension of Expired Mandates
The transition is governed by the Local Governments Act, which dictates the framework for village and parish leadership. State Minister for Local Government Justine Nameere confirmed the government utilized Regulation 11A of the Local Government Councils Regulation to extend existing terms. This provision allows for an extension of up to 180 days, ensuring administrative continuity until new leaders are sworn in. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Local Government and the Electoral Commission are launching a national mobilization strategy, utilizing print, electronic, and social media to drive voter turnout.
Strict Eligibility and ID Requirements
Participation is limited to Ugandan citizens who meet clear residency and age requirements. To cast a ballot, a voter must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration and reside in the village where they intend to vote. The Electoral Commission has mandated that voters present one of three forms of identification: a valid National ID, a voter number, or an application ID number.
The ‘Lining Up’ Method and Security Concerns
In line with Section 123(2) of the Local Governments Act (Cap. 138), the polls will use the “lining up” method. Voters will physically stand behind their preferred candidate, their representative, their portrait, or a designated symbol.
Security remains a point of contention. Shadow Minister for Local Government Patrick Okello recently addressed Parliament, questioning the logistical and financial support for police officers tasked with maintaining order. Okello emphasized that ensuring officers are properly facilitated is essential to preventing potential security gaps and maintaining morale during the election period.
Parliamentary Oversight and Legal Review
The electoral process remains under legislative scrutiny. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has directed the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to consult on the program and provide a formal update to the House. This oversight is intended to ensure the execution of the polls remains strictly aligned with the legal framework supervised by the Ministry of Justice and the Electoral Commission.