The Electoral Commission of Uganda, led by Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, has officially released the programme for the long-awaited elections of Administrative Units, commonly known as LC I (village councils), LC II (parish councils), and Women Councils from village to national level. The announcement marks an important step in restoring elected leadership at the grassroots level across the country.
According to the Commission, these elections have been delayed for some time, but preparations are now fully underway after Government provided the necessary funding. Justice Byabakama thanked Ugandans for their patience and also appreciated Government for ensuring that local leadership structures remained active to avoid a leadership vacuum. He emphasized that the upcoming process will strengthen democracy and participation at the community level.
The electoral programme begins with the verification of residents and compilation of the Village LC I Register as well as the Village Women’s Register. This exercise will take place from 6th to 10th July 2026 in all villages across Uganda. The Commission notes that Uganda has a total of 71,214 villages, and all eligible residents are encouraged to take part in the registration process in person at their village registration centres. The exercise is free of charge and will run daily from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
To be registered, a person must be a Ugandan citizen, at least 18 years old, and ordinarily resident in the village. Women will register in both the general village register and the Women’s Council register, allowing them to participate in both elections. Residents will be required to provide basic details such as names, National ID information, age, gender, and village of residence.
After registration, the voters’ registers will be displayed for public inspection on 13th and 14th July 2026. During this period, residents are expected to verify their details and report any errors or ineligible persons, including the deceased, underage individuals, non-residents, or non-citizens.
The nomination of candidates for both Village LC I Chairpersons and Village Women Committees will run from 15th to 19th July 2026. These nominations will take place at Sub-county, town, or municipal headquarters under the supervision of Parish Election Officials. The Commission has clarified that no academic qualifications or nomination fees will be required, making the process open to all eligible citizens.
Campaigns for Women Committees will take place from 20th to 22nd July, while polling will be conducted on 23rd July 2026. For LC I Chairpersons, campaigns will run from 20th to 27th July, followed by polling on 28th July 2026. Voting will take place in open public spaces within villages and will be done through lining behind candidates or their symbols.
The Commission further explained that each village will also form a Village Executive Committee of 11 members, covering key roles such as security, finance, production, youth, women, and persons with disabilities. The LC II (Parish) elections will follow shortly after, with polling scheduled for 10th August 2026.
Justice Byabakama urged all political parties, organisations, and citizens to prepare adequately and follow the guidelines provided. He stressed that proper participation will ensure smooth, transparent, and peaceful elections across the country.
The Electoral Commission concluded by calling on all Ugandans to actively take part in the process, noting that these elections are a foundation for grassroots democracy and good governance.
