Electoral Commission Rolls Out Timetable, Appeals for Peaceful Local Council Elections

By Denis Mukisa

The Electoral Commission has finalized arrangements for tomorrow’s local council elections and is urging residents across Uganda to turn up early, vote peacefully, and remain at polling stations until the process is completed.

Central Region North Electoral Commission boss Musinguzi Tolbert said extensive voter sensitization campaigns have been conducted to promote fairness, transparency, and understanding of the voting process. “We have been preaching the gospel of how to vote and the importance of fair elections,” he said.

Detailed Timetable

Polling stations will open at 7:00 a.m. with the reading and verification of the voters’ register, which will run until 10:00 a.m. Musinguzi warned that individuals whose names do not appear on the register should not interfere with the exercise.

At 11:00 a.m., village election officers will conduct voter education sessions to explain voting procedures. This will be followed at 11:30 a.m. by the lining-up process, during which candidates will stand before voters and supporters will queue behind their preferred candidate. The lining-up is expected to last 30 minutes.

Counting of votes will begin promptly at 12:00 noon. Voters have been asked to remain in their positions until the entire process is completed to avoid any disruptions. “Voters should not leave their lines before all candidates are counted,” Musinguzi emphasized.

Immediately after the results are declared, the elected village chairperson will nominate members of the executive committee. Nominees must be registered voters and residents of the village. Musinguzi noted that the community retains the right to reject any nominee whose conduct is considered unacceptable.

Appeal for Calm

Musinguzi appealed for restraint, reminding residents that they are all members of the same community. “There is no need to fight after the election; we will all remain in the same village,” he said.

Lukooki John Magezi, Deputy RDC Kayunga during a security meeting a head of the village elections

The appeal follows a district security meeting held earlier today at the Resident District Commissioner’s (RDC) office. Kayunga Deputy RDC Lukooki John Magezi warned that anyone attempting to destabilize the electoral process, particularly non-registered individuals, will face prosecution.

“A free and fair election is the responsibility of all of us in a democratic country,” Magezi said, urging residents to uphold peace and stability.

Significance of Local Council Elections

The elections are being held across villages in Uganda, where communities will directly elect their Local Council I (LC1) chairpersons and committees. These grassroots leaders play a vital role in local governance, resolving minor disputes, mobilizing communities for development, and acting as the primary link between citizens and higher government authorities.

Political observers say tomorrow’s exercise will serve as an important test of Uganda’s commitment to grassroots democracy, with the spotlight on transparency, accountability, and community cohesion.