EC Mobilises Uganda for Peaceful Village Elections as Campaigns Commence

KAMPALA, Uganda: The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially launched the campaign period for candidates contesting in the 2026 Village (LC I) Chairperson and Village Women Committee elections, calling on all participants to conduct peaceful, orderly and lawful campaigns across the country.

Speaking on Monday, Julius Mucunguzi, the Electoral Commission's Spokesperson and Head of Public Relations, announced that campaigns had commenced simultaneously in all 71,214 villages across Uganda, marking another important milestone in the country's electoral roadmap.

Mucunguzi said candidates vying for positions on the Village Women Committees will campaign from Monday, July 20, to Wednesday, July 22, 2026, with campaign activities permitted daily between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. 

The Village Women Committee elections are scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 23, 2026. He further explained that campaigns for candidates contesting for Village (LC I) Chairperson positions also began on Monday, July 20, but will continue until Monday, July 27, 2026, ahead of polling on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

"The Electoral Commission informs the general public that campaigns by all those contesting for positions of LC I Chairpersons, as well as women contesting for Women Committees, start today, Monday, July 20, 2026," Mucunguzi said.

He noted that the exercise is taking place nationwide in every village, underscoring the significance of the grassroots elections in Uganda's democratic process.

Call for Peaceful Campaigns

Mucunguzi appealed to all electoral stakeholders—including candidates, agents, supporters and voters—to uphold peace throughout the campaign period.

He urged candidates to comply with all electoral laws and regulations and to follow guidance issued by Electoral Commission officials deployed at village, parish, sub-county and district levels. 

"We appeal to all actors during these campaigns to conduct themselves peacefully, follow all electoral laws and adhere to the guidelines issued by Electoral Commission officials," he said.

He stressed that campaigns should promote harmony rather than conflict and should be conducted in a manner that respects communities and public order.

Avoid Disrupting Public Services

The EC spokesperson emphasized that campaigns must not interfere with people's daily livelihoods or disrupt essential public services.

He clarified that campaign activities are prohibited in schools, hospitals, health centres, dispensaries and markets.

Instead, candidates were encouraged to adopt community-friendly approaches such as door-to-door mobilisation and organising small meetings in appropriate venues.

"Campaigns should not take place in schools, hospitals, dispensaries, health centres or markets. Candidates are encouraged to go household-to-household and organise small meetings without disrupting normal business," Mucunguzi advised.

Commitment to Credible Elections

Mucunguzi reaffirmed the Electoral Commission's commitment to delivering free, fair, transparent and credible grassroots elections.

He expressed optimism that Ugandans would exercise their democratic rights peacefully and responsibly during both the campaign and polling periods. 

"The Commission wishes all Ugandans a peaceful, credible, transparent and law-abiding campaign period, as well as a peaceful polling period, so that citizens can elect their Village LC I Chairpersons and Women Committees in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity," he said.

The LC I and Village Women Committee elections are among Uganda's most significant grassroots democratic exercises, providing communities with an opportunity to elect local leaders responsible for mobilising residents, resolving community disputes and coordinating local development initiatives.

With campaigns now underway across all villages, the Electoral Commission has reiterated its appeal for discipline, tolerance and respect for electoral laws to ensure the exercise concludes successfully and peacefully.