The Electoral Commission has directed Local Government Authorities to suspend the swearing-in of newly elected Local Council (LC1) Chairpersons and committees in villages where election results are being challenged.
The directive follows the conclusion of the recently held LC1 elections, after which the Commission received several complaints from candidates and other stakeholders questioning the electoral processes and results in some villages and cells across the country.
In a public notice dated August 17, 2026, Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi said the Commission had started reviewing, hearing and determining the complaints, but the process was still ongoing.
The Commission noted that some Local Government Authorities had already started preparations to swear in newly elected Village/Cell Chairpersons, including those whose election results are currently under dispute.
As a result, the Electoral Commission advised the affected authorities to stop the swearing-in exercises in areas where complaints have been officially filed and are still under consideration.
The Commission explained that the decision was aimed at allowing it to complete the hearing and determination of the complaints before any further steps are taken regarding the affected election results.
“The measure is intended to allow the Commission to conclude the hearing and determination of the pending complaints before any further action is taken in respect of the affected election results,” the notice stated.
The Electoral Commission said a list of villages and cells affected by the directive has been published on its official website for public access.
Justice Byabakama thanked Local Government Authorities, candidates and members of the public for their cooperation as the Commission continues to handle the complaints in line with the law.
The Commission emphasized that the process is meant to protect the credibility of the elections and ensure that final decisions are made after all complaints have been properly reviewed.
