EC Sets October 15, 19 Repeat Elections for 53 Villages

Uganda’s Electoral Commission (EC) has announced plans to conduct repeat elections in 53 villages/cells across the country where results from the 28 July 2026 Local Council elections and subsequent polls could not be ascertained.

The announcement was made by Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, as the Commission continues to resolve complaints challenging results from the recently concluded administrative unit elections.

According to the Commission, the first batch of repeat elections will be held on Thursday, 15 October 2026, and Monday, 19 October 2026, with the affected villages/cells contained in a schedule issued by the Commission.

The EC initially released a list containing 54 villages/cells, but subsequently clarified that Kireka D Village was included in error and should be disregarded.

EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi said the correction brings the number of villages/cells scheduled for the first batch of repeat elections to 53. 

“Kireka D on that list was issued in error. That makes the number of villages 53 not 54. The matter of Kireka D is still with the Commission. The Commission will communicate its decision on it once it has been taken. The rest of the list is okay,” Mucunguzi said.

EC cites constitutional mandate

Justice Byabakama said the repeat elections follow complaints received by the Commission after the conclusion of the 28 July elections and subsequent polls.

The complaints challenged results declared in a number of villages and cells in different parts of the country.

Under Article 61(1)(d) of the Constitution of Uganda, the Electoral Commission is mandated to ascertain and declare election results. The Commission said it has therefore been examining the complaints and taking decisions on cases where it has been unable to conclusively ascertain the results.

“Accordingly, the Electoral Commission will conduct repeat elections in the affected villages/cells across various parts of the country, where decisions have been made and communicated to the concerned parties,” Justice Byabakama said.

The repeat polls are expected to provide an opportunity for voters in the affected administrative units to elect their representatives where the original results could not be conclusively established.

More repeat elections expected

The Commission said the October 15 and 19 polls represent only the first batch of repeat elections.

Further batches will be announced as the Commission completes the process of determining outstanding complaints.

Justice Byabakama explained that the Commission is still examining complaints from other villages and cells and will communicate its decisions once the respective cases have been determined.

For villages where the EC has already ascertained the results and upheld the original election outcomes, the Commission said it has communicated its decisions to the concerned parties and Returning Officers for the necessary action.

This means that not every complaint lodged against a local election result will automatically lead to a repeat election. The Commission will first assess the circumstances surrounding each complaint before determining whether the original outcome can be upheld or whether a fresh poll is necessary.

Kireka D remains under consideration

The clarification regarding Kireka D Village means that residents and candidates in the area should not participate in the October repeat elections on the basis of the initial list.

Mucunguzi said the matter remains before the Electoral Commission and that a decision will be communicated after the Commission completes its consideration.

The EC has consequently urged stakeholders to rely on the corrected list and await further communication regarding Kireka D.

EC urges stakeholders to comply with electoral laws

The Commission has called upon candidates, voters and other interested parties in the affected villages and cells to take note of the repeat-election arrangements and comply with applicable electoral laws and guidelines.

The repeat elections come as the EC continues the wider process of concluding the 2026 Local Council and administrative unit elections.

The Commission is expected to announce additional repeat-election dates as decisions are reached on the remaining complaints.

Justice Byabakama reiterated that the Commission will continue communicating its decisions to the relevant parties as the complaints are determined.

The latest development underscores the EC's role in resolving disputed local election outcomes and ensuring that administrative units have duly ascertained electoral results in accordance with Uganda's electoral laws.

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