In a long-awaited development that promises to reshape leadership at the most fundamental level of Ugandan society, the Electoral Commission (EC) has officially unveiled the roadmap for Village Local Council I (LC I) Chairperson elections, scheduling polling for Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Addressing journalists at the EC headquarters in Kampala today, Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi announced that the elections will cover 71,214 villages across the country. This marks the end of prolonged delays, with the process having undergone six extensions.
Key Dates in the Roadmap
- Voter Register Update: July 6–10, 2026
- Candidate Nominations: July 15–19, 2026
- Polling Day: July 28, 2026 (LC I Chairpersons)
- Subsequent Phases: Parish (LC II) elections are slated for August 10, with Women Council elections scheduled earlier on July 23.
Voting will follow the traditional open queue (lining up) system, with each village functioning as its own independent polling station. Polls open at 7:00 AM. Physical campaigning across villages is strictly prohibited to maintain order and focus on local issues.
Significance of LC I Elections
LC I chairpersons serve as the cornerstone of Uganda’s decentralized governance structure. They handle dispute resolution, community mobilization, security coordination, and implementation of government programs at the village level. For millions of ordinary Ugandans, these leaders represent the most accessible face of authority and development.
Justice Byabakama emphasized the Commission’s commitment to delivering a transparent, credible, and peaceful process. “This is an opportunity for communities to choose leaders who will drive local development and uphold the values of unity and service,” he noted.
Preparations Underway
The EC has begun recruiting election officials, and detailed guidelines on voter eligibility, candidate requirements, and polling protocols have been issued. Women remain eligible to participate fully in both general LC I registers and dedicated Women’s Council processes.
Political analysts view these elections as critical for strengthening grassroots democracy ahead of future national polls. With Uganda’s population largely rural, the outcomes in these villages will have ripple effects on national stability and development agendas.
As the nation prepares, citizens are urged to verify their details during the upcoming register update and engage peacefully in the process.
TrendingUg.com will continue to provide comprehensive coverage, including candidate spotlights, regional analyses, and live updates as the electoral calendar unfolds.
For more details, visit the official Electoral Commission website or local district offices.
