Byabakama Orders Fresh Local Council Polls In 53 Villages Over Unresolved Results

Uganda’s Electoral Commission has set fresh elections for 53 villages and cells across the country following unresolved disputes and failures to conclusively ascertain results from the July 28, 2026 Local Council elections and subsequent polls.

Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi announced the development as the Commission continues to examine complaints challenging results from the recently conducted administrative unit elections. The first batch of repeat elections will be conducted on Thursday, October 15, and Monday, October 19, 2026.The Commission had initially published a list containing 54 villages and cells, but later corrected the figure after discovering that Kireka D Village had been included in error. EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi said the correction leaves 53 areas scheduled for the first round of repeat elections.

Mucunguzi explained that the situation in Kireka D remains under consideration by the Commission and that a decision will be communicated after the matter has been fully reviewed. He urged stakeholders not to rely on the earlier list that included the village among those scheduled for the October polls.The repeat elections stem from complaints filed after the July 28 elections and subsequent polls, with candidates and other stakeholders challenging results declared in various villages and cells.

The Commission has been examining the complaints individually to determine whether the declared results should be maintained or fresh elections ordered.Justice Byabakama said the Commission’s mandate includes ascertaining and declaring election results in accordance with Article 61(1)(d) of the Constitution. He noted that repeat elections are being organised only in areas where the Commission has reached a decision and formally communicated it to the concerned parties.

The EC stressed that not every complaint automatically results in a fresh election, as each case is considered according to its circumstances. Where the Commission has upheld results, the decisions have been communicated to the relevant candidates, parties and Returning Officers for implementation.

The October 15 and 19 polls therefore mark only the first phase of repeat elections arising from the 2026 Local Council electoral process. The Commission said additional repeat elections may be announced as it concludes pending complaints, with Justice Byabakama reaffirming that the electoral body will continue communicating its decisions to affected stakeholders as the remaining cases are determined.