Politics
Mbale EC boss urges residents to register for LC I, II and Women Council Elections
Arinaitwe also warned against premature campaigning, saying only duly nominated candidates are permitted to campaign.
Aranaitwe urged the public not to ignore the local council voting exercise, noting that it offers an opportunity for citizens to choose accountable local leaders.
By: Paul Watala, Journalist @New Vision
MBALE - The Mbale City Returning Officer, Michael Arinaitwe, has urged residents to participate in the five-day voter registration exercise ahead of the Local Council I, II and Women Council elections.
Speaking to journalists at the Electoral Commission offices in Mbale City on Friday, Arinaitwe said the registration exercise will run from Monday, July 6 to Friday, July 10, 2026, targeting all 389 villages in the city.
He said the exercise is intended to update the village voters' register by enrolling eligible residents who have turned 18 since the last general election, those who have changed residences, and removing deceased voters.
"I encourage all eligible residents to spare time from their busy schedules and register. If your name is not on the village register, you will not be eligible to vote or contest for office," Arinaitwe said.
He urged the public not to ignore the exercise, noting that it offers an opportunity for citizens to choose accountable local leaders.
Arinaitwe said the Electoral Commission will display the updated register before nominations, in line with the electoral roadmap.
He urged the public not to ignore the exercise, noting that it offers an opportunity for citizens to choose accountable local leaders.
Arinaitwe said the Electoral Commission will display the updated register before nominations, in line with the electoral roadmap.
He explained that elections for LC I chairpersons will be conducted through the traditional method of voters lining up behind candidates, their representatives, portraits or symbols, as provided for under Section 111(2) of the Local Government Act, Cap. 243 (as amended).
He outlined the qualifications for candidates, saying a nominee must be a Ugandan citizen aged 18 years or above, a registered voter and a resident of the village they intend to represent. Public servants are not eligible to contest. He added that no nomination fees or academic qualifications are required.
Arinaitwe also warned against premature campaigning, saying only duly nominated candidates are permitted to campaign.
"We do not have aspirants at this stage. Anyone conducting campaigns before nomination is breaking the law and risks arrest," he said.
He added that the Electoral Commission will provide all election materials, while nominations will be conducted physically at designated division headquarters in accordance with the election programme.
He outlined the qualifications for candidates, saying a nominee must be a Ugandan citizen aged 18 years or above, a registered voter and a resident of the village they intend to represent. Public servants are not eligible to contest. He added that no nomination fees or academic qualifications are required.
Arinaitwe also warned against premature campaigning, saying only duly nominated candidates are permitted to campaign.
"We do not have aspirants at this stage. Anyone conducting campaigns before nomination is breaking the law and risks arrest," he said.
He added that the Electoral Commission will provide all election materials, while nominations will be conducted physically at designated division headquarters in accordance with the election programme.