UHRC Urges Ugandans to Turn Out for LC1 Elections

What the report says

Nile Post reported that the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has appealed to registered voters to take part peacefully in Tuesday’s Local Council I elections, presenting the village polls as important for grassroots democracy, local development and service delivery. The elections are scheduled for July 28, with Ugandans expected to choose LC1 chairpersons in 71,214 villages nationwide.

According to the report, Uganda Human Rights Commissioner Crispin Kaheru said village leadership affects everyday community life and urged voters to treat the exercise as more than routine politics. He noted that LC1 chairpersons are often the first officials residents approach over issues such as land disagreements, domestic violence, theft, neighbourhood disputes and community mobilisation.

Kaheru also encouraged residents to remain engaged after voting by knowing their village leaders, saving contacts for LC1 chairpersons and using communication channels such as village WhatsApp groups where possible. The UHRC further called on voters, candidates and supporters to reject violence, intimidation and hate speech, respect the law and accept other citizens’ choices.

Nile Post also cited Electoral Commission guidance that only people listed on the village voters’ register may participate. Campaigns reportedly began on July 20 and ended Monday before polling day. Voting will use the lining-up method provided for under the Local Government Act, with each village serving as a polling station. The LC1 polls are described as the first stage of the Electoral Commission’s 2026 Administrative Units elections programme, ahead of LC2 chairperson elections scheduled for August 10.