Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon Speaks on the Display of Demarcated Local Government Council Electoral Areas for the 2025/2026 General Elections
As Uganda prepares for its next electoral cycle, the EC’s efforts in demarcating and displaying Local Government Council electoral areas underscore its commitment to promoting transparency and inclusivity. This exercise not only reinforces the democratic process but also ensures that every administrative unit is fairly represented, paving the way for effective governance.

As Uganda gears up for the 2025/2026 General Elections, the Electoral Commission (EC), under the stewardship of Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, has undertaken a crucial exercise to ensure the accuracy, fairness, and transparency of the electoral process. One of the key milestones in this preparation is the display of lists of demarcated Local Government Council electoral areas, scheduled to take place from 13th to 20th January 2025.
The demarcation process, conducted from 6th to 16th August 2024, aimed to define electoral boundaries for Local Government Councils in cities and districts across Uganda. This initiative ensures that each administrative unit—Sub-county, Town, Division, Parish, or Ward—has fair representation through directly elected councilors and women councilors forming one-third of the councils.
Justice Byabakama emphasized the importance of this exercise, stating, “The demarcation of electoral areas is a fundamental step in ensuring that all Ugandans, irrespective of their location, are fairly and effectively represented in Local Government Councils. This process strengthens democracy and promotes inclusive governance.”
The display of the demarcated electoral areas serves multiple purposes:
Verification of Boundaries: To ensure that the boundaries of every electoral area are clearly defined and that no administrative unit is left out. Reconfirmation of Administrative Units: To validate the accuracy of the final list of administrative units in Uganda.
Transparency in the Electoral Process: To provide stakeholders with the opportunity to review and raise concerns about the demarcation, thereby promoting fairness and transparency.
Justice Byabakama remarked, “This display exercise is not only about showcasing boundaries but also about involving citizens in shaping their governance structures. It is a platform for stakeholders to voice concerns and contribute to the integrity of the electoral process.”
The Electoral Commission has outlined a systematic approach to the display exercise:
The District Returning Officers will oversee the display of lists at the District and City levels, covering areas such as District/City Directly Elected Councilors and Women Councilors.
Sub-County Supervisors, in coordination with District Returning Officers, will manage displays at the Municipality, City Division, and Sub-county levels.
Lists will be pinned on public notice boards and made available on the Electoral Commission's website, enabling broad access for stakeholders.
Stakeholders dissatisfied with the demarcation can file formal complaints using the Demarcation Complaints Form (DCF). Justice Byabakama urged stakeholders to use this opportunity to address concerns constructively, saying, “We encourage stakeholders to review the displayed lists diligently and raise any objections within the provided framework. This is your chance to shape the electoral landscape of your communities.”
To address complaints, the EC has established District Demarcation Complaints Resolution Teams comprising the District Returning Officer, Assistant District Administrator, Chief Administrative Officer, District Planner, and co-opted officers. These teams will handle objections and provide resolutions, with the possibility of appeals to the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission for unresolved cases.
Justice Byabakama reassured stakeholders of the Commission’s commitment to fairness, stating, “Every complaint raised will be handled transparently and expeditiously. Our goal is to ensure that the demarcation process is free of bias and that all voices are heard.”
Justice Byabakama concluded by appealing to all Ugandans to actively participate in the display exercise. He emphasized the role of citizens in fostering democratic governance, noting, “The success of our elections depends on the collective effort of all stakeholders. Let us come together to ensure that the 2025/2026 General Elections are conducted in an environment of inclusivity, fairness, and trust.”
As Uganda prepares for its next electoral cycle, the EC’s efforts in demarcating and displaying Local Government Council electoral areas underscore its commitment to promoting transparency and inclusivity. This exercise not only reinforces the democratic process but also ensures that every administrative unit is fairly represented, paving the way for effective governance.