The first batch of repeat elections for LC1 Chairpersons in affected villages have kicked off today 15th and will run until 19 October 2026.
The Electoral Commission has since urged all concerned to observe electoral guidelines and maintain peace.
Electoral Commission spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi said the repeat elections follow complaints received from different villages after the conclusion of the LC1 chairperson elections, prompting the Commission to review, verify and ascertain the disputed results.
According to Mucunguzi, the Commission determined that the results in some of the affected villages could not be ascertained, necessitating fresh polls to establish the duly elected LC1 chairpersons.
He said the Commission had already issued a public notice through its chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, listing the villages scheduled to participate in the repeat elections on October 15 and 19.
Mucunguzi explained that the repeat elections would be conducted in batches, with additional polling dates to be communicated to the public if the Commission determines that more villages require fresh elections.
“The repeat elections take place in batches, and the first batch is on the 15th of October 2026. The second batch will be on the 19th of October 2026,” Mucunguzi said.
He added that the Commission was still handling complaints from a few other villages whose election results remained under scrutiny.
According to the spokesperson, the Commission is continuing with the process of ascertaining the results in those areas and will communicate its decisions once the reviews are concluded.
The affected villages will subsequently be informed whether they will participate in repeat elections or whether the Commission will confirm their original results, paving the way for the successful candidates to be sworn in as LC1 chairpersons.
EC clears some LC1 chairpersons for swearing-in
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has confirmed election results in some villages where complaints had been lodged, after reviewing the disputed outcomes and establishing that the results could be verified and ascertained.
Mucunguzi said the Commission had issued decisions on the complaints in accordance with Article 61(1)(d) of the Constitution, which provides for the Electoral Commission’s role in ascertaining, publishing and declaring election results.
Following the verification process, the Commission communicated its decisions to the relevant local government authorities and returning officers in the districts concerned.
The authorities have been asked to facilitate the swearing-in of the duly elected chairpersons so they can assume their responsibilities and begin serving their communities.
The development means that while some villages will have to return to the polls, successful candidates in areas where results have been confirmed can proceed with the formalities required to take office.
EC urges candidates and voters to maintain peace
As the first and second batches of repeat elections approach, the Electoral Commission has appealed to candidates, voters and all other participants to observe the laws governing LC1 chairperson elections and adhere to the guidelines issued by the Commission.
Mucunguzi urged election officials and participants to follow the instructions provided by EC staff who will be supervising and conducting the repeat polls.
He further called on candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint, avoid confrontations and ensure that the elections are conducted in a peaceful environment.
The spokesperson warned against the use of abusive language, hate speech and other conduct likely to incite hostility or disrupt the electoral process.
He also cautioned the public against using social media platforms to circulate fake news, falsehoods, propaganda and misinformation that could undermine the credibility of the repeat elections or trigger unnecessary tensions in the affected communities.
Mucunguzi emphasised that the repeat polls should be treated as a democratic exercise intended to establish legitimate grassroots leadership rather than a contest that could divide communities or lead to violence.
“Make sure that you conduct yourselves peacefully, well knowing that this is simply an election to elect your LC1 chairperson. It is not a war. It’s not a do-or-die affair,” he said.
He called on all stakeholders to ensure that the elections take place in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, allowing communities to elect their leaders without intimidation, hostility or disruption.
Restoring grassroots leadership
The repeat elections are intended to resolve outstanding disputes in villages where the Electoral Commission could not establish reliable results following the initial LC1 chairperson elections.
The Commission’s ongoing review of complaints is also expected to clarify which villages require fresh polls and which can proceed with the swearing-in of their elected leaders.
Mucunguzi said the ultimate objective was to ensure that the affected villages obtain leadership at the grassroots level through an orderly and peaceful electoral process.
The Commission has therefore urged residents in the affected villages to cooperate with election officials, respect the applicable laws and guidelines, and allow the electoral process to proceed without interference.
With the first batch scheduled for October 15 and the second for October 19, the Commission is expected to communicate any further decisions on villages whose complaints are still being investigated.
The EC has reiterated that peaceful participation, respect for the law and responsible communication are essential to ensuring that the repeat elections conclude successfully and that communities can move forward under duly elected LC1 leadership.
