Mucunguzi: Unclear LC1 Results Trigger Fresh Elections in Several Villages

The Electoral Commission has announced dates for the conduct of repeat elections for Local Council One (LC1) chairpersons in villages where the outcomes of the recent elections could not be ascertained following complaints and disputes.

According to Electoral Commission spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi, the Commission has completed the review and assessment of a first batch of complaints arising from the LC1 chairperson elections and determined that results in some villages could not be conclusively established.

Mucunguzi said the decision to conduct repeat elections is in accordance with Article 61(d) of the Constitution, which gives the Electoral Commission the mandate to ensure that elections are conducted in accordance with the law and to take appropriate action where election results cannot be ascertained.

The Commission has subsequently released the first batch of villages where repeat elections will be conducted.

The repeat polls for the affected villages are scheduled for 15 October and 19 October 2026.

EC concludes review of some complaints

Mucunguzi explained that the Commission received numerous complaints following the LC1 chairperson elections held on 28 July 2026 and subsequent electoral activities.

The complaints raised various concerns regarding the conduct and outcomes of the elections, prompting the Commission to review the circumstances surrounding the affected polls.

After examining the complaints and undertaking an ascertainment process, the Commission found that in some villages it was not possible to establish the definitive election results.

“In accordance with Article 61(d) of the Constitution, the Commission came to the conclusion that results from such villages could not be ascertained and that accordingly there has to be repeat elections,” Mucunguzi said.

The repeat elections are therefore intended to provide an opportunity for voters in the affected villages to elect their LC1 chairpersons through a fresh electoral process.

Some disputed elections upheld

However, Mucunguzi clarified that not every complaint submitted to the Electoral Commission has resulted in a decision to hold a repeat election.

He said that after reviewing other complaints, the Commission established that elections had indeed taken place in the affected villages and that their results could be ascertained.

As a result, the elected LC1 chairpersons in those areas are expected to proceed with the swearing-in process and begin performing their official duties.

“The Commission has informed the concerned villages. It has also informed the concerned returning officers in those districts and cities and other authorities to take action on what needs to be done to make sure that such LC1 chairpersons are able to begin conducting their duties,” Mucunguzi explained.

The clarification is expected to pave the way for the affected LC1 chairpersons whose results have been upheld to assume office and begin carrying out their responsibilities at the grassroots level.

Other complaints still under consideration

The Electoral Commission also assured complainants whose cases have not yet been determined that their submissions remain under consideration.

Mucunguzi said the Commission is continuing with the process of reviewing and ascertaining the outcomes of other disputed LC1 elections.

He urged those who have not yet received communication from the Commission to remain patient, saying decisions will be communicated once the ascertainment process is complete.

“Their matters and issues are under the consideration of the Commission and once it has concluded its ascertainment of the results, it will inform you in due course,” he said.

The Commission will subsequently determine whether the results in the remaining disputed villages should be upheld or whether repeat elections will be necessary.

Commission urges calm

Mucunguzi appealed to affected candidates, voters and communities to remain calm as the Commission completes its review of the outstanding complaints.

He stressed that the Commission is handling the complaints and will communicate its decisions to the affected parties once the necessary verification and ascertainment processes have been completed.

The latest development means that the conclusion of the 2026 LC1 electoral process will take place in phases, with some villages proceeding with their elected chairpersons while others prepare for fresh polls.

The Electoral Commission is expected to continue communicating the programme and details for any additional repeat elections as decisions are made on the outstanding complaints.

The first batch of repeat elections on 15 and 19 October 2026 will therefore mark another stage in the Commission's efforts to conclude the LC1 electoral process in areas where the original results could not be conclusively established.