By Sadique Bamwita
The Electoral Commission has directed Local Government authorities to suspend the swearing-in of LC1 Chairpersons and Committees in villages/cells where election results are subject to pending complaints before the Commission.
The electoral Commission chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, in an advisory dated August 17,2026, contends that this measure will allow the Commission to conclude the hearing and determination of the complaints, before further action is taken in respect of the affected election result.
“The Commission commenced the process of hearing, reviewing and determining the complaints, which is still ongoing, ” Justice Byabakama revealed.
Justice Simon Byabakama said his Commission has learnt that preparations for the swearing-in of newly elected Village/Cell Chairpersons by the respective Local Government Authorities are underway, including in villages/cells where the election results are subject to pending complaints before the Commission.
He added, “Accordingly, the Electoral Commission has advised the concerned Local Government Authorities to halt the swearing-in of Village/Cell Chairpersons in villages/cells whose election results have been contested and are currently under consideration by the Commission”.
According to a list provided by the commission, 365 villages will be affected by the directive across the country.
The decision comes a day after the commission ordered for fresh LC 1 chairperson’s elections, in 14 villages across the country.
Justice Simon Byabakama noted that the decision to order for fresh polls in the affected fourteen villages was reached after the commission, established that the results of the said village election could not be ascertained and published in accordance with Article 61 (1) (d) of the country’s Constitution.
“Accordingly, the Commission, under MIN/COM/012/2026, hereby informs you that a repeat of this election will be conducted on a date to be communicated in due course” Justice Byabakama announced.
Meanwhile, the affected villages that have so far been ordered to hold fresh polls include; Abaita Ababiri ward in Katabi Town Council, Soweto Village, Wandegeya Parish in Kawempe division, Buwambo Cell in Nansana Municipality, Luteete A Village-Wampewo ward in Kasangati Town Council, Kabuuma Cell – Busaabala ward in Makindye Ssabagabo, Bulamu Deputy zone – Bulamu Parish in Kasangati TC and Kasero village- Buloba Parish in Wakiso District.
Others include; Kasaato zone –Kisenyi II Parish in Kampala City, Busei B village – Busei parish- Nakalama subcounty in Iganga district, Makenke village- Namugangaparish – Nakifuma subcounty in Mukono district, Sempa zone-lwafu- Makidye division in Kampala, Mugalu zone-Kawempe II parish- Kawempe division in kampala, Lukwanga village- Wakiso Subcounty in Wakiso district, and Ssenge Village – Naluvule in Wakiso district.
