Politics 9 July 2026 Howwe Entertainment
Uganda Sets Dates for Local Council Elections Amidst Term Extensions
Uganda has announced July 28, 2026, and August 10, 2026, as the dates for the Local Council 1 and Local Council 2 elections, respectively. The current office bearers' term, which has been extended multiple times, will conclude upon the handover to newly elected leaders. Source: https://www.howwe.ug/news/national/43275/dates-for-local-council-elections-confirmed
The State Minister for Local Government, Hon. Justine Nameere, has officially confirmed the election schedule for Uganda’s lower local councils. Residents will head to the polls on July 28, 2026, to elect Local Council 1 (LC1) representatives, followed by Local Council 2 (LC2) elections on August 10, 2026.
Speaking in Parliament on July 7, 2026, Minister Nameere stated that the term of current officeholders, which was initially set to expire on June 28, 2026, has been extended. This extension, permissible under Regulation 11A of the Local Government Councils Regulation for up to 180 days, ensures continuity until the new leaders are in place after a formal handover.
The Electoral Commission is actively engaged in public awareness campaigns through various media channels. However, Minister Nameere emphasized the need to bolster these sensitization efforts. The Ministry of Local Government is collaborating with the Electoral Commission to develop a robust mobilization strategy aimed at encouraging high voter turnout in the remaining period.
Eligibility for voting in these elections is restricted to Ugandans aged 18 and above at the time of registration, who are residents of the village where they are registered. Voters will need a national ID, voter number, or application ID number to participate. In line with Section 123(2) of the Local Governments Act Cap.138, the election for Village/Cell and Parish/Ward chairperson positions will be conducted through a queuing method, where voters line up behind their preferred candidate or their representative, portrait, or symbol.
Meanwhile, the Shadow Minister for Local Government, Hon. Patrick Okello, raised concerns about the proper facilitation of police officers who will be tasked with maintaining security and order. He highlighted past issues of unpaid allowances, warning that demotivation could lead to security gaps during the crucial elections.
In response, the Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, has directed the Minister for Justice to consult on the electoral program and provide an update to the Parliament on July 9, 2026, underscoring the Ministry’s oversight role concerning the Electoral Commission.
Source: Howwe Entertainment