Uganda Local Council 1 (LC1) elections 2026 — as it happened
Ugandans turned out across the country to elect their Local Council I (LC I) leaders, with voting marked by high participation, peaceful moments, and isolated incidents of delays, disputes, and security interventions.
Voter verification underway at Lugala Village, Lugoba Parish in Buikwe District, ahead of the LC1 elections. (Credit: Simon Peter Tumwine)
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🖊️ 📰 Presented and edited by Derrick Otim
⬇️📰 Scroll down for earlier updates
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🔚 Live coverage ends
Thank you for following our live coverage of Uganda's 2026 Local Council 1 (LC1) elections.
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04:42 PM
📍Lira City East Division
🗳️ Independent candidate wins after third vote
Voting was conducted for a third time before independent candidate Patrick Ameto was declared winner with 139 votes, defeating Uganda People's Congress (UPC) candidate Patrick Opio.
(Reporting by Joseph Ekol)
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04:42 PM
📍Jinja City
🗳️ NUP candidate wins Nakanyonyi Annex LC1 seat
National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Ali Matende was declared winner of the Nakanyonyi Annex Village LC1 Chairperson race in Jinja City Northern Division after defeating the incumbent, Eria Mupere of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)
(Reporting and photo by Jackie Nambogga)
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04:34 PM
📍Jinja City
🗳️ NRM's Ntuuyo retains Nakanyonyi LC1 Seat
National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Joel Ntuuyo has retained the Nakanyonyi-Bukwale Village LC1 Chairperson seat in Jinja City Northern Division after securing 769 votes.
His National Unity Platform (NUP) rival, Denis Bananywa, reportedly left the polling venue before the results were announced.
Residents who spoke after the election praised Ntuuyo for his leadership, citing his role in mobilising the community to improve local roads and his impartial handling of community matters.
(Reporting and photo by Jackie Nambogga)
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04:30 PM
📍Lira City East
🗳️ Retired teacher wins Senior Quarters LC1 seat
National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Constant Arwata, a retired teacher, has been elected LC1 Chairperson for Senior Quarters in Lira City East after defeating three male contenders.
Among those defeated were Uganda People's Congress (UPC) candidate Ken Allan Owani and Geoffrey Okello.
Arwata, 65, pledged to provide effective leadership and implement the NRM manifesto during her five-year term.
(Reporting and photo by Joseph Ekol)
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04:00 PM The disagreement forced polling officials and police to suspend the exercise for several hours as they engaged the candidates and their agents. Voting resumed at about 2:20pm but was later interrupted by a heavy downpour.
📍Jinja City
🚨 Register dispute disrupts voting in Jinja
Voting at Wanyange Central Village in Jinja City Northern Division was disrupted after a candidate, Benon Wandera, a retired senior secondary teacher, questioned the voters' register, saying that the registered voters were in the incumbent’s favour, Elizabeth Muita, yet he was not given a chance to peruse through the register, demanding that all residents be allowed to participate in the LC1 elections.
The incumbent, Elizabeth Muita.
Polling officials said the exercise was conducted in line with Electoral Commission guidelines, while security was reinforced to restore calm.
(Photos by Jackie Nambogga)
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03:44 PM
📍Mbarara City
🗳️ High voter turnout reported in Mbarara City
Residents of Mbarara City turned out in large numbers to elect their LC1 Chairpersons, with the Electoral Commission reporting a largely peaceful exercise across the city's 186 villages.
Mbarara City Returning Officer Violet Atuhurra said polling officials were in place by 7:00am and that only registered voters were allowed to cast their ballots in line with Electoral Commission guidelines.
Among the winners, Fred Turyakira was elected unopposed in Boma Cell, while National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate John Ssemuju won the Kashanyarazi Cell seat with 228 votes, defeating Beinomugisha Bernard, who polled 25 votes.
(Reporting and photos by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
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03:44 PM
📍Yumbe
🗳️ High turnout recorded in Yumbe
Yumbe District recorded a high voter turnout during the LC1 elections, with District Returning Officer Benson Obeti estimating that about 90% of registered voters participated.
Voting was, however, disrupted at some polling stations, including Oyaru and Machangana cells, following disputes over the voters' register and allegations of ineligible voters.
Security intervened to restore calm, allowing voting to continue. Officials described the elections as largely peaceful despite isolated incidents of tension.
(Reporting and photo by Adam Gule)
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03:40 PM
📍Buli-Gwanga Zone, Katwe
🚨 NUP’s Batuusa wins Buli-Gwanga LC1 seat after tense polls
Voting in Buli-Gwanga Zone, Katwe, was suspended several times amid protests and allegations of bias against an Electoral Commission official.
Police intervened to restore order, firing warning shots as they rescued the presiding officer, who was later replaced by another EC official to oversee the exercise. Police and military personnel were deployed to maintain security.
National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Simon Batuusa, the incumbent, was declared winner after securing 258 votes. He defeated Allan Kimera, who polled four votes, and Zacheus Matovu, who received 64 votes. Another candidate, Hajji Hammis Maseruka, withdrew from the race and left the polling centre.
(Reporting and photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)
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03:25 PM
📍Kirinya Parish, Bweyogerere Division
🗳️ NRM’s Kadu wins Bukasa LC1 seat in landslide victory
National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Kadu Wines has won the Bukasa Zone LC1 Chairperson seat in Kirinya Parish, Bweyogerere Division, after securing 968 votes.
Kadu defeated National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Vincent Lutaakome, who polled 168 votes, in an election that attracted six candidates, although four did not turn up for the exercise.
Voting started at 7:00am with voter verification, and the exercise attracted a large turnout at St James Church of Uganda polling station. Despite the long queues, the process remained largely peaceful, with security provided by police and the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF).
After his victory, Kadu pledged to serve all residents regardless of political affiliation, promising to improve security, sanitation, and service delivery. He also announced plans to divide the zone into sub-zones for better management.
(Reporting and Photos by Alfred Ochwo)
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03:18 PM
📍Hoima
🚨 EC cancels Hoima City Park Cell LC1 elections
The Electoral Commission (EC) has cancelled the Hoima City Park Cell LC1 elections following reported irregularities.
The cancellation comes after preliminary results indicated that National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Kalanzi Musa, also known as Shonman, had defeated National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer Hon. Moses Hamfrey.
The EC is expected to provide further guidance on the way forward for the affected candidates and voters.
(Reporting by Wilson Asiimwe)
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03:00 PM
📍Industrial Area parish, Kampala
Samuel Aliku wins Pepsi Cola Village LC1 seat
(Photos by Isaac Nuwagaba)
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02:54 PM Voting in several Local Council I (LC I) polling stations in Tororo District was disrupted following clashes over voter register disputes and allegations of irregularities.
📍Tororo
🚨 Violence disrupts LC1 elections in Tororo
At Nyangole B Village in Tororo Municipality, voting failed to start after supporters of rival candidates clashed over claims that non-residents had been mobilised to participate in the election. Police intervened to restore calm, with voting suspended.
Similar disruptions were reported in Nyakesi A, Nyakesi D, Achilet B, and Achilet C villages, where residents raised concerns over missing names and alleged manipulation of the voters’ register.
Electoral officials have suspended voting in the affected areas pending guidance from the District Returning Officer.
(Reporting and photo by George Ofwono)
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02:39 PM
📍Kitintale, Nakawa East, Kampala
🚨 Police restore calm at Kitintale polling station
Police have intervened to restore order among voters at Kitintale Zone 11 in Nakawa Division following complaints over delays in verifying names in the voters’ register.
One of the contestants, David Wasiye, said the delays would not affect his chances, noting that he has served as chairperson for several years and believes his record speaks for itself. He urged residents to remain calm so the exercise could proceed peacefully.
Stephen Sebufu, a police officer from Kitintale Police Station, also addressed voters, calling for calm and order to ensure the process continues without disruption.
Voter verification later resumed as residents prepared to elect their LC1 Chairperson.
(Reporting and photos by Huzaima Kaweesa)
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02:20 PM
📍Lira City
🚨 Chaos delays declaration in Lira City
Voting at Baza East Cell in Lira City East Division has been conducted twice, but no declaration has been made yet amid continued chaos at the polling station since morning.
(Reporting and photos by Joseph Ekol)
02:16 PM
📍Mukono
🗳️ Independent Candidate Wins Dandira LC1 Seat
Independent candidate Ssaalongo Joel Makweta has defeated National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Paul Katiko and Mutumba to win the Dandira LC1 Chairperson seat in Wantoni-Namumira Parish, Mukono Central Division, Mukono Municipality.
(Reporting by Stuart Yiga)
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02:00 PM
📍Kanyanya Parish, Kawempe Division
🗳️ NRM candidate wins Kikuubo Zone LC1 seat
National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Mulindwa Robert has won the LC I Chairperson seat for Kikuubo Zone in Kanyanya Parish.
(Reporting and photos by Maria Wamala)
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01:47 PM
📍Entebbe
🗳️ Kambugu Ssebulime re-elected in Kisubi Mission
The incumbent LC1 Chairperson, Albeit Kambugu Ssebulime, has been re-elected to serve another term at Kisubi Mission, covering the period 2026–2031.
(Reporting and photos by Juliet Anna Lukwago)
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01:38 PM
📍Hoima
🗳️ Independent Candidate Wins Kiratete Lower LC1 Seat
Independent candidate Ruth Kabayaga has won the LC1 Chairperson seat for Kiratete Lower in Hoima East Division.
(Reporting and photo by Wilson Asiimwe)
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01:32 PM
📍Nakwero, Wakiso district
🗳️ DP’s Semakula wins Nakwero A Cell LC1 seat
Democratic Party (DP) candidate Patrick Semakula has won the LC1 Chairperson seat for Nakwero A Cell, Kimwanyi Ward in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, defeating candidates from the National Unity Platform (NUP), National Resistance Movement (NRM)-leaning Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), and an independent.
Semakula polled 478 votes, followed by NUP’s Geofrey Kabugo with 162 votes, while NRM’s Rosemary Asiimwe got 23 votes. Independent candidate Henry Semwanga received nine votes.
The results were announced by Electoral Commission returning officers Henry Matovu and his assistant Gorret Nakiyingi.
Semakula, who has served the area for eight years, pledged to prioritise security, road infrastructure, and installation of security lights.
The exercise was briefly disrupted after some candidates’ supporters demanded a re-run, forcing EC officials to seek safety at Canaansites Police Community Station.
(Reporting and Photo by Francis Emorut)
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01:21 PM Vice president Jessica Alupo standing in line together with other voters.
📍Moroto district
🗳️ LC1 Elections: Karamoja, Teso Regions report mixed turnout
More than 15,000 voters in Moroto District missed the voter registration and display exercise ahead of the LC1 elections, according to Electoral Commission officials.
Moroto Election Administrator Esther Immaculate Ajwang said 25,631 voters registered during the recent exercise, compared to 41,507 registered for the 2026 general elections. She attributed the decline to migration caused by drought and the search for food, water, and pasture.
In Soroti City East, 16 candidates are contesting for LC1 Chairperson seats across eight cells in Madera Ward, with candidates representing National Resistance Movement (NRM), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Uganda People's Congress (UPC) and independent tickets.
Katakwi District is set to elect LC1 leaders for 629 villages, while Amolatar District has more than 54,900 voters expected to participate across 581 villages. Officials reported strong mobilisation, with security patrols deployed to ensure peaceful elections
(Reporting and photos by Delux Emmy Alomu)
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01:08 PM
📍Mbale City
🗳️ Independent candidate wins Duka Cell LC1 Seat
Independent candidate Hassan Mabeli has won the Duka Cell LC1 Chairperson elections in Mbale Northern City Division.
(Reporting and photo by Paul Watala)
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01:00 PM
📍Lira City
🗳️ Aconga wins Jinja Camp A Cell LC1 seat
The situation at Jinja Camp A Cell in Lira City West Division returned to normal following the deployment of heavy security during the LC1 elections.
Rafael Ocen Aconga, son of the late former Lira City West Mayor Mike Ogwal Aconga, was elected LC1 Chairperson after securing 333 votes, defeating Uganda People's Congress (UPC) candidate Tom Aguma, who polled 265 votes.
Four other candidates withdrew from the race at the polling station.
Following his victory, Aconga, accompanied by supporters, held a procession through Juba to the City West Division headquarters, where he announced his executive team.
(Reporting and photos by Joseph Ekol)
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12:48 PM Tensions characterised the LC1 elections in Kisanyarazi Village, Hima Town Council, Kasese District, as residents expressed dissatisfaction with the incumbent chairperson, accusing him of promoting segregation and mismanaging community resources, among other grievances. (Reporting and photos by Samuel Amanyire)
📍Kasese District
🗳️ NRM candidate wins Kisanyarazi LC1 Seat
NRM flag bearer Haruna Kabagambe emerged the winner with 106 votes, defeating independent candidate Tumwebaze William, the incumbent chairperson, who garnered 89 votes.
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12:40 PM (Reporting and photo by Wilson Asiimwe)
📍Hoima
🗳️ Independent candidate wins Hoima Central Market LC1 Seat
Independent candidate Akugizibwe Moses Alonso has won the LC1 Chairperson race for Hoima Central Market.
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12:35 PM
📍Mbuya, Nakawa division
🗳️ Mwesigwa wins Mbuya II Zone 7 LC1 Seat
Amos Mwesigwa has been elected Chairperson of Mbuya II Zone 7 in Nakawa Division on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket after securing 117 votes.
Mwesigwa defeated Noah Ramathan Ismail, who polled 37 votes, while Balikowa Fred and David Busulwa each received three votes.
Speaking after his victory, Mwesigwa pledged to work with all residents regardless of their political, religious, or cultural backgrounds, promising to deliver quality and effective service to the community.
(Reporting by Simon Peter Tumwine)
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12:28 PM
📍Arua
🗳️ Delayed start as voting materials arrive late in Arua
Voting at Opevu Village, Ajono Parish, Vurra subcounty in Arua District was delayed after voting materials failed to arrive by 7:00am.
The presiding officer, Lucky Juruani, arrived with the voting materials at 10:20am, allowing preparations for the exercise to begin.
According to the register, only 120 voters were registered at the polling station. Juruani informed residents that only those whose names appear on the register would be allowed to vote.
Three candidates are contesting for the LC1 Chairperson seat: incumbent Obatre Kilioni on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, and independent candidates Fabiano Odupiyo and Oresto Beyo.
There were several complaints from residents over missing names in the register
(Reporting by King Bosco Franco)
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12:22 PM
📍Gomba
🚨 Violence halts LC1 elections in Gomba
The LC1 Chairperson election in Kiziba Village, Gomba District, has been suspended following a violent attack that left two people dead and several others injured.
Lauben Muhabuzi, an aspirant contesting on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket, was among those injured in the attack and is currently receiving medical attention after sustaining serious injuries.
Two of Muhabuzi's associates, identified as Ddiriisa Nsubuga and another victim, died in the incident, while three others sustained injuries during the attack.
The injured were rushed to Kanoni Health Centre IV for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to Gombe Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
The Electoral Commission suspended the voting exercise indefinitely, as security personnel were deployed to the area to restore calm.
According to Katonga Regional Police spokesperson, police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue.
(Reporting and photo by Simon Ssekidde)
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11:49 AM
📍Mbale City
FDC candidate wins Lwakhakha LC1 seat in Mbale
FDC candidate Siraji Luledi has won the Lwakhakha LC1 Chairperson seat in Mbale Industrial City Division after securing 129 votes.
The NRM candidate received five votes, while the National Unity Platform (NUP) did not participate in the election after boycotting the process.
(Reporting and photo by Paul Watala)
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11:49 AM (Reporting and photos by Maria Wamala)
📍Kanyanya parish, Kawempe, Kampala
Voters turn up for Kanyanya Parish LC1 elections
Residents of Kanyanya Parish have turned up to participate in the election of their LC1 Chairperson.
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11:36 AM
Voter verification underway in Moyo
The voter verification exercise is ongoing at Metu Quarter Village in Moyo Town Council, Moyo District, ahead of the LC I Chairperson elections.
(Reporting and Photos by Tasia Doreen)
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11:32 AM
📍Ndeeba, Lubaga Division, Kampala
🗳️ Ssemwogerere wins Nsiike 1 LC1 Seat
Vincent Ssemwogerere has been elected LC I Chairperson for Nsiike 1 Zone in Ndeeba, Lubaga Division.
Ssemwogerere, who previously served as vice chairman, defeated several candidates, including the incumbent Muhammad Saali, to secure the seat.
(Reporting and photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)
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11:32 AM
📍Yumbe district
🗳️ Voter verification underway in Yumbe
The voter verification exercise is ongoing at Machagana Cell in Yumbe Town Council, Yumbe District, as residents prepare to elect their LC1 Chairperson.
(Reporting by Adam Gule)
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11:27 AM
📍Soroti City
🚨 Tensions flare at Soroti City polling station
Police, the Anti-Riot Unit, and military personnel have been deployed to Moru Apesur Primary School in Soroti City after supporters of rival LC1 candidates reportedly turned rowdy.
The polling centre, which serves four cells under Kengere Ward, witnessed physical confrontations at around 11:00am as residents gathered for the elections.
Concerns have also been raised over alleged irregularities in the voters' register, with claims that names of non-existent residents appear on some cell registers. Electoral officials are addressing the complaints.
Kengere Ward has emerged as one of the most tense areas in Soroti City during the LC I elections.
(Reporting by Godfrey Ojore)
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11:20 AM
📍Hoima City
🗳️ Voting yet to begin in Hoima City
Voting has yet to commence at Bank Cell in Hoima City, where residents are gathering and preparing to line up for the election of their LC1 Chairperson.
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11:18 AM
📍Moroto
🗳️ Late arrivals delay voting in Moroto
Voting at Kakoliye Village polling station in Moroto Municipality was delayed due to the late arrival of election officials and materials.
(Reporting and photos by Olandason Wanyama)
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10:59 AM Residents of Nakwero A Cell, Kimwanyi Ward, in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, wait for their names to be read during the LC I Chairperson elections. (Photo by Francis Emorut) Residents of Nakwero A Cell, Kimwanyi Ward, in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, stand on culverts as they wait for their names to be read during the LC1 Chairperson elections. (Photo by Francis Emorut) Residents of Bukasa Zone in Kirinya Parish, Bweyogerere Division, have turned out in large numbers to cast their votes in the LC1 Chairperson elections.
📍 Nakwero, Wakiso district
🗳️ Voter verification underway in Kira Municipality
The voter verification exercise is underway at Nakwero A Cell, Kimwanyi Ward, in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, where residents have turned up to elect their LC I Chairperson.
As Electoral Commission officials read out the names of eligible voters, some residents are standing while others are seated on nearby culverts awaiting verification.
The race in Nakwero A Cell is between Rosemary Asiimwe of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and Patrick Semakula of the Democratic Party (DP).
(Reporting and photos by Francis Emorut)
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10:47 AM
📍 Bweyogerere
🗳️ High voter turnout reported in Bweyogerere
The voting process is ongoing, with electoral officials continuing to verify voters against the register. Security remains tight, and the exercise has so far been peaceful.
(Reporting by Alfred Ochwo) A woman has reportedly been assaulted at Ireda Central Park Cell polling station (All Saints Church Obangpewany) in Lira City during an altercation involving supporters of rival candidates.
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10:35 AM
📍 Lira City
🚨 Woman assaulted at Lira City polling station
The contest is between NRM candidate Moses Oyena and independent candidate Ramathan Otim. The polling station has more than 800 registered voters.
Security has been heightened, with more than 60 personnel from the Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), and Uganda Police Force deployed to maintain law and order.
(Reporting and photos by Joseph Ekol in Lira City)
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10:24 AM
📍 Entebbe
🗳️ Delayed start in Entebbe
Several polling stations in Entebbe remain quiet, with voting yet to commence in many areas as residents await the start of the LC1 elections.
(Reporting by Juliet Anna Lukwago) Rukia Nalwoga, a resident of the area, said they are grateful for the opportunity to choose leaders who will contribute to the development of their community. Joseph Tomusange, one of the contestants in the LC1 Chairperson elections. (Photo by Huzaima Kaweesa) Residents of Panda PL Zone in Luzira check their names in the register ahead of participating in the LC1 elections. (Photo by Huzaima Kaweesa)
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10:05 AM
📍 Luzira, Nakawa East, Kampala
🗳️ Strong turnout as Luzira residents vote for LC1 leaders
Residents of Panda PL Zone in Luzira have turned up in large numbers to participate in the election of their LC1 Chairperson.
One of the contestants, Joseph Tomusange, said he is ready to accept the outcome, noting that it is the residents' responsibility to choose their leaders.
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10:00 AM
📍 Buikwe district
🗳️ Verification exercise underway
Voter verification is ongoing at Lugala Village, Lugoba Parish in Buikwe District, as residents prepare to take part in the Local Council 1 elections.
(Photos by Simon Peter Tuwmine)
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9:28 AM
📍 Mbale City
🚨 Tensions reported in Mbale City
Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Yaya Were.
Reports from the Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Yaya Were, in Mbale City indicate that police are responding to disturbances involving groups of youth who are protesting the register verification exercise in Nakaloke and Namunsi areas of the Northern City Division.
(Photos by Paul Watala)
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9:19 AM
📍 Lira City
Security deployed as chaos reported
Security personnel are patrolling areas in Lira City as tensions rise, with reports of chaos emerging at some polling stations. The situation was reported at Jinja Camp A Cell.
(Credit: Joseph Ekol)
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9:19 AM
🗳️ Voters urged to arrive early
Voters are encouraged to arrive at their polling stations early to verify their names in the Village Residents Register and follow guidance from Electoral Commission officials as they participate in the election of their Village (LC1) Chairperson.
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8:56 AM
📅 Programme of the Day
Here is the schedule of key activities for today's Village (LC1) Chairperson elections across Uganda.
(Courtesy: X/@UgandaEC)
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8:49 AM
🗳️ Electoral Commission calls on eligible voters to participate
The Electoral Commission has called on all eligible voters whose names appear in the Village Residents Register to take part in today's Village (LC1) Chairperson elections, taking place today.
Under Section 123(2) of the Local Governments Act, Cap. 243, voters will elect their Village (LC I) Chairperson by lining up behind their preferred candidate, the candidate's representative, portrait, or symbol.
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8:00 AM
🗳️ LOCAL COUNCIL 1 (LC1) POLLS 🇺🇬
☀️ Good morning Uganda! 🇺🇬
📍 Welcome to our live coverage of Uganda's Local Council 1 (LC1) elections happening today throughout different parts of the country.
All is set for the LC1 elections taking place in all 71,214 villages for LC1 leaders.
Throughout the day, we will bring you real-time updates from polling stations across the country, including voter turnout, the opening and closing of polling centres, electoral developments, security updates, and results as they emerge.
(Courtesy: x/@UgandaEC)