The Electoral Commission of Uganda has announced plans to conduct repeat elections in 53 villages/cells across the country. The decision was made by Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, as the Commission continues to resolve complaints challenging results from the recently concluded administrative unit elections. The first batch of repeat elections will be held on October 15 and 19, 2026.
The Electoral Commission initially released a list containing 54 villages/cells but later clarified that Kireka D Village was included in error and should be disregarded. EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi stated that the correction brings the number of villages/cells scheduled for the first batch of repeat elections to 53. The Commission is mandated to ascertain and declare election results under Article 61(1)(d) of the Constitution of Uganda.
The repeat elections follow complaints received by the Commission after the conclusion of the 28 July 2026 Local Council elections and subsequent polls. The complaints challenged results declared in several villages and cells in different parts of the country. The Commission has been examining the complaints and taking decisions on cases where it has been unable to conclusively ascertain the results.
The repeat polls are expected to provide an opportunity for voters in the affected administrative units to elect their representatives where the original results could not be conclusively established. The Commission stated that the October 15 and 19 polls represent only the first batch of repeat elections. Further batches will be announced as the Commission completes the process of determining outstanding complaints.
The Commission is still examining complaints from other villages and cells and will communicate its decisions once the respective cases have been determined. For villages where the EC has already ascertained the results and upheld the original election outcomes, the Commission has communicated its decisions to the concerned parties and Returning Officers for the necessary action.
The clarification regarding Kireka D Village means that residents and candidates in the area should not participate in the October repeat elections based on the initial list. Mucunguzi stated that the matter remains before the Electoral Commission, and a decision will be communicated after the Commission completes its consideration. The EC has urged stakeholders to rely on the corrected list and await further communication regarding Kireka D.
The Commission has called upon candidates, voters, and other interested parties in the affected villages and cells to take note of the repeat-election arrangements and comply with applicable electoral laws and guidelines. The repeat elections come as the EC continues the wider process of concluding the 2026 Local Council and administrative unit elections. The Commission is expected to announce additional repeat-election dates as decisions are reached on the remaining complaints.
Key points
- The Electoral Commission of Uganda will conduct repeat elections in 53 villages/cells due to unresolved complaints from recent local council elections.
- The first batch of repeat elections will be held on October 15 and 19, 2026.
- The Commission is still examining complaints from other villages and cells and will communicate its decisions once the respective cases have been determined.
