By Sadique Bamwita
KAMPALA
The Electoral Commission has issued the official electoral roadmap for election of Chairpersons for LC1, LC 2 and women councils.
The Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama said the election of LC1 Chairpersons shall be conducted in 71214 villages across the country while for LC2 chairpersons shall conducted in over 11000 parishes and for Sub-county women council polls will be held in 2000 sub-counties. He added that all voters shall be verified in the village voters’ register.
While addressing press on June 22, 2026, at the Electoral Commission Headquarters on 7th Street in Industrial area, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugyenyi, emphasized that all voters must be in the village register, residents in their respective villages, 18 years and above and must be Ugandan Citizens.
Justice Simon Byabakama revealed that nominations for LC1 Chairpersons shall take place between July 15-19, 2026 and that aspiring candidates be nominated at their respective sub-counties starting from 9am-5Pm. He added that nomination forms will be collected from the parish election supervisor between 9-14th July, 2026.
He said the polls will be conducted under multiparty dispensation, urging political parties to elect their flag bearers.
Justice Simon Byabakama stressed that under the Law, academic qualifications are not required for aspiring LC1 Chairpersons and no money is needed for nominations.
He said campaigns for aspiring LC1 Chairpersons shall be conducted within 8days between July 20-27, 2026. He urged candidates to adhere to the stipulated campaign time from 7am-6pm.
Justice Simon Byabakama confirmed that polling for LC1 Chairpersons will take place on July 28, 2026 and will be by lining behind a candidate of one’s choice.
He said during the polling day, voters will have to assemble for verification purposes, followed by voters’ education and then briefing of voters by the election officer. He added that by 11am all candidates shall be in the line and should not look behind until vote counting is complete.
He, however emphasized that all candidates are entitled to appoint two agents at the polling station.
“After voting, the presiding officer shall announce the winner of the election and sign on the Declaration forms. Immediately, the winner of the election, shall appoint his executive committee including his vice chairperson.
On the composition of village women committee members including the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, publicity secretary and secretary for finance among others, nomination will take place between July 15-19, 2026, under the supervision of a parish election officer at their respective sub-counties from 9am-6pm. The exercise will climax by voting on July 23, 2026.
Regarding LC2 chairpersons, Justice Simon Byabakama said nomination of candidates shall take place on August 3, 2026, then campaigns will take place between August 4-9, 2026. Then, this will be followed by election which will take place on August 10, 2026.
Issuance of nomination forms for aspiring LC2 chairpersons shall take place alongside display of voters register from July 30-31, 2026.
Concerning election of women council at parish level, nomination will be conducted on August 3, 2026, followed by campaigns between August 4-6, 2026 and then polling will take place on August 7, 2026.
Women Council Elections at Sub-County level will begin with display of voters register on August 11, 2026, nominations will follow on August 14, campaigns will be conducted between August 15-17 and polling will take place on August 22, 2026.
For district women council elections, voting will be by a secret ballot and this will take place on August 28, 2026.
Women Council Elections will climax with voting of the National Chairperson for women council and this will be concluded with the National conference for women which will be held between September 3-4, 2026.
Justice Simon Byabakama appealed to all voters to participate in the local council and women council elections. He also urged aspiring candidates to adhere to electoral guidelines and regulations set by the electoral commission.
In conclusion, Justice Simon Byabakama disclosed that government is considering to review the money allocated to LC1 Chairpersons. He, however said currently there is no law that provides for LC1 Chairpersons to charge money from residents.
Lastly, Justice Simon Byabakama warned those who intend to solicit nomination fees from aspiring candidates that they risk arrest and court action.
