Ugandans are scheduled to elect their representatives for the offices of Local Council 1 and Local Council 2 on 28 July 2026 and 10 August 2026 respectively, according to the State Minister for Local Government, Hon. Justine Nameere.
While presenting a statement to Parliament on Wednesday, 07 July 2026, Nameere said that the term of office of the current office bearers, which has been extended a number of times, was further extended until newly elected leaders assume office after a formal handover, following the expiry of their term on 28 June 2026.
According to Regulation 11A of the Local Government Councils Regulation, the term of office for local councils can be extended for a period of up 180 days.
Nameere noted that the Electoral Commission is carrying out awareness campaigns through print, electronic and social media, but noted the need to strengthen and enhance the sensitisation.
“The Ministry [Local Government] is working closely with the Electoral Commission on an effective mobilisation strategy in the remaining days, to ensure voters turn up in big numbers to elect their leaders,” she said
The Minister also clarified on persons eligible to participate in the local council elections, noting that only Ugandans who are 18 years at the time of registration and residing in the village of registration, will be permitted to vote.
“Such a resident requires a national ID or voter number or an application ID number. According to Section 123(2) of the Local Governments Act Cap.138, the election of Village or Cell Council chairperson and Parish or ward Council Chairperson shall be by the electorate lining behind the candidate nominated for the office, their representative, portrait or symbols,” Nameere added.
The Shadow Minister for Local Government, Hon. Patrick Okello appealed for proper facilitation of police officers who will be deployed to ensure security, law and order during the elections.
“In the last elections, police constables, were all over social media demanding for unpaid money. These are the very people who are going to man this very difficult LCI and LCII election and if they are not properly facilitated, it can demoralise them and we could experience a lot of gaps,” Okello said.
The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, tasked the Minister for Justice to make consultations on the electoral program and give an update to the House on Thursday, 09 July 2026, noting that it is the Ministry that supervises the Electoral Commission that executes the election.