The Electoral Commission of Uganda has announced that it will conduct repeat elections for Local Council One (LC1) chairpersons in several villages across the country. According to Electoral Commission spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi, the decision to hold repeat elections was made after the Commission reviewed and assessed a batch of complaints arising from the LC1 chairperson elections held on 28 July 2026. The complaints raised concerns regarding the conduct and outcomes of the elections.
Mucunguzi stated that the Commission had determined that results in some villages could not be conclusively established, prompting the need for repeat elections. The decision is in accordance with Article 61(d) of the Constitution, which mandates the Electoral Commission to ensure that elections are conducted in accordance with the law and to take appropriate action where election results cannot be ascertained. The Commission has released the first batch of villages where repeat elections will be conducted.
The repeat polls for the affected villages are scheduled for 15 October and 19 October 2026. Mucunguzi explained that the Commission received numerous complaints following the LC1 chairperson elections and subsequent electoral activities. The complaints raised various concerns regarding the conduct and outcomes of the elections, prompting the Commission to review the circumstances surrounding the affected polls.
After examining the complaints and undertaking an ascertainment process, the Commission found that in some villages it was not possible to establish the definitive election results. Mucunguzi said that the Commission came to the conclusion that results from such villages could not be ascertained and that accordingly, there has to be repeat elections. The repeat elections are intended to provide an opportunity for voters in the affected villages to elect their LC1 chairpersons through a fresh electoral process.
However, Mucunguzi clarified that not every complaint submitted to the Electoral Commission has resulted in a decision to hold a repeat election. He said that after reviewing other complaints, the Commission established that elections had indeed taken place in the affected villages and that their results could be ascertained. As a result, the elected LC1 chairpersons in those areas are expected to proceed with the swearing-in process and begin performing their official duties.
The Electoral Commission also assured complainants whose cases have not yet been determined that their submissions remain under consideration. Mucunguzi said the Commission is continuing with the process of reviewing and ascertaining the outcomes of other disputed LC1 elections. He urged those who have not yet received communication from the Commission to remain patient, saying decisions will be communicated once the ascertainment process is complete.
Mucunguzi appealed to affected candidates, voters, and communities to remain calm as the Commission completes its review of the outstanding complaints. The latest development means that the conclusion of the 2026 LC1 electoral process will take place in phases, with some villages proceeding with their elected chairpersons while others prepare for fresh polls.
Key points
- The Electoral Commission of Uganda has announced repeat elections for Local Council One (LC1) chairpersons in villages where the outcomes of the recent elections could not be ascertained.
- The decision to hold repeat elections was made after the Commission reviewed and assessed a batch of complaints arising from the LC1 chairperson elections held on 28 July 2026.
- The repeat polls for the affected villages are scheduled for 15 October and 19 October 2026.
