By Ronnie Wabomba
MBALE CITY
George William Wopuwa, the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Mbale City, has urged residents to elect good leaders and maintain peace during the election of LC1 chairpersons, LC chairpersons, and Women Council leaders.
Speaking during a security meeting over the weekend in Namakwekwe, Northern Division, Mbale City, Wopuwa advised residents that LC1 and LC2 leaders play a key role in promoting peace and development in communities, urging them to be careful when choosing their leaders. He warned residents against electing people with bad characters, including thieves and violent individuals.
Were Yahaya, the Deputy RCC in charge of Northern Division, said individuals who intend to cause violence and hooliganism during the LC elections will be arrested. He assured residents that adequate security measures will be put in place to ensure the exercise is conducted smoothly.
Michael Arinaitwe, the Returning Officer for Mbale City, who was invited by the RCC to sensitize and brief stakeholders in Northern Division, revealed that preparations for the forthcoming elections have so far been progressing smoothly.
Arinaitwe encouraged residents to actively participate in the electoral activities and outlined the key timelines and roadmap as follows: Voter Verification and Registration started on July 6 and ended on 10, 2026; Display of the Voters’ Register is set for July 13–14, 2026; Issuance of Nomination Forms: July 9–14, 2026; Nomination of Candidates: July 15–19, 2026; Campaign Period: July 20–27, 2026; and Polling Day: July 28, 2026.
Arinaitwe warned that civil servants are not allowed to contest in the elections unless they resign from their positions within the stipulated timeframe and according to the issued guidelines. He also confirmed that students aged 18 years and above who are registered voters will be allowed to participate in the elections.
He, however, emphasized that only voters appearing on the Village Register will be allowed to cast their votes.
