Electoral Commission Rolls Out Timeline for 2026 LC1 and LC2 Polls

By Skika Reporter.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has launched preparations for the 2026 Local Council elections, unveiling a detailed roadmap that will guide the election of Village (LC I) and Parish/Ward (LC II) leaders across Uganda.

Announcing the programme on Monday, EC Chairperson Simon Byabakama Mugenyi said the electoral process is designed to ensure grassroots communities participate in choosing leaders who play a crucial role in local governance and service delivery.

The roadmap kicks off with the recruitment of Village Election Officials, which will run from June 22 to July 1, 2026. Recruitment of Sub-county and Parish Supervisors is scheduled for June 25, as the commission moves to establish structures needed to manage the elections.

A major milestone in the process will be the verification of residents and compilation of the Village General Voters Register from July 6 to July 10. The exercise is intended to ensure that only eligible residents participate in the elections, with July 10 serving as the cut-off date for voter registration at the village level.

The provisional voters’ register will then be displayed on July 13 and 14 to allow residents to verify their details and raise any concerns before polling day.

Candidates interested in contesting for Village Chairperson positions will collect nomination forms between July 9 and July 14 at parish offices. Formal nominations are scheduled to take place from July 15 to July 19 at sub-county, town council, and division headquarters.

Campaign activities for LC I candidates will run from July 20 to July 27, ahead of polling day on July 28. As with previous village elections, voters will elect their leaders through the traditional lining-up voting method.

Following the completion of LC I elections, attention will shift to Parish and Ward leadership contests. The Parish/Ward voters’ register will be compiled on July 29 and displayed for verification on July 30 and 31.

Nominations for LC II Chairperson candidates are expected on August 3, while campaigns will run from August 4 to August 9.

Voting for Parish and Ward Chairpersons will take place on August 10, bringing the grassroots electoral exercise to a close.

Justice Byabakama called on all stakeholders, including voters, candidates, local leaders, and election officials, to actively participate in the process and observe electoral guidelines.

He emphasized that transparent and credible local council elections are essential for strengthening community leadership and enhancing citizen participation in governance.

The LC I and LC II elections are regarded as the foundation of Uganda’s local governance system, with elected leaders playing a key role in community mobilization, conflict resolution, and coordination of government programmes at the grassroots level.

The Electoral Commission says early preparations are intended to ensure a smooth electoral process and give citizens adequate time to engage in the elections ahead of polling days in July and August 2026.