Over 360 Villages in Political Limbo as Disputed LC Polls Halt Swearing-in Ceremonies

The Electoral Commission (EC) has put a temporary hold on the swearing-in ceremonies for newly elected village chairpersons in 365 villages across Uganda. This decision comes in response to a significant number of disputed election results and petitions filed by disgruntled voters and defeated candidates following the July 28 polls.

EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama announced that the commission is actively reviewing and deliberating on the fate of these affected villages. “The Commission has noted that preparations for the swearing-in of newly elected Village/Cell Chairpersons by the respective Local Government Authorities are underway, including in villages/cells where the election results are subject to pending complaints before the Commission,” he stated in a press release.

Justice Byabakama has advised all concerned Local Government Authorities to cease the swearing-in process for chairpersons in villages where election outcomes are contested. This measure is intended to allow the EC to thoroughly investigate and resolve all pending complaints before any further administrative actions are taken.

The majority of villages affected by this directive are located in Kampala, with 102 villages experiencing this political limbo. Wakiso district follows closely with 87 villages, while Mukono has 36, Lwengo 34, and Kayunga 15, among others.

The nationwide Local Council One (LC One) polls, held on July 28 across 71,214 villages, saw participation from various political parties and independent candidates. However, some polling stations experienced cancellations due to reasons including chaos, the death of nominees, and other unforeseen disruptions. The EC had previously announced repeat polls in 1,135 villages due to such issues.

According to EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi, the commission is committed to addressing all complaints raised. “The Commission is enjoined by the Constitution, Article 61, to hear and determine petitions and also to ascertain results of any election that it conducts,” he affirmed, promising formal communication once all processes are exhausted and decisions are made based on law and facts.

A comprehensive list of the affected villages can be found on the Electoral Commission’s official website.