EC Begins Voters' Register Display in Mbale City Ahead of LC1 Elections

Mbale City – The Electoral Commission (EC) has commenced a two-day display of the official voters' register in Mbale City as part of preparations for the upcoming Local Council One (LC1) elections scheduled for July 28, 2026.

The exercise, which started on Monday, July 13, and ends on Tuesday, July 14, is intended to enable residents to verify their voter details and help the Electoral Commission clean up the register by identifying and removing ineligible voters.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Electoral Commission offices in Mbale City, the City Returning Officer, Michael Arinaitwe, said the display exercise follows the conclusion of the voter registration update and marks another important milestone in the electoral roadmap.

"The voter registration update has ended, and we have now commenced the display exercise for both the Village Council General Register and the Village Women's Council Register, as we're also issuing nomination forms to aspiring candidates," Arinaitwe said.

He explained that residents are expected to use the exercise to confirm the accuracy of their personal details, including their names, ages, National Identification Card numbers or National Identification Number (NIN) application numbers, and residential information.

Arinaitwe urged members of the public to actively participate in the verification exercise and report any cases of minors, non-citizens, non-residents, or deceased persons appearing on the voters' register.

"Anyone who claims that a person is not a resident of a particular village should come to our office, pick the required forms and lodge a complaint. After verification, we shall remove anyone found to be ineligible from the village register," he said.

The Returning Officer emphasized that the exercise is essential in ensuring that the voters' register is credible, accurate and reflective of the actual residents in each village.

He further clarified that possession of a National Identity Card alone does not automatically qualify an individual to vote in the LC1 elections.

"Eligibility to vote in village elections is determined by residency. The law considers where a person lives and how long they have stayed there," Arinaitwe explained.

He also reminded government employees and civil servants that while they are eligible to participate in the voting process, they are legally prohibited from contesting for LC1 leadership positions.

As preparations intensify, the Electoral Commission has also started issuing nomination forms to aspiring candidates seeking various village leadership positions.

On concerns about election violence and transparency, Arinaitwe defended the traditional lining-up voting system that will be used during the elections. 

"Lining up is the safest method because it makes the process open and transparent. No one can later claim that the election was rigged when everyone witnesses the outcome," he said.

The Local Council One chairperson elections will be conducted on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, across the 389 villages of Mbale City, with voters expected to line up behind their preferred candidates, agents or designated symbols to cast their votes.

The Electoral Commission has appealed to all eligible residents to participate in the ongoing register display exercise, saying it is a critical step in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring free, fair and credible village elections.