Uganda’s Electoral Commission has ordered repeat elections in 53 villages and cells across the country after results from the July 28, 2026 Local Council elections and subsequent polls could not be conclusively established in the affected areas.The decision was announced by Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi as the Commission continues handling complaints arising from the recently conducted administrative unit elections.
The first batch of repeat elections is scheduled for October 15 and October 19, 2026.The Commission initially listed 54 villages and cells for the fresh polls, but later corrected the figure after discovering that Kireka D Village had been included by mistake. EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi said the correction brings the number of affected areas to 53, while the matter concerning Kireka D remains under consideration.The repeat polls follow complaints lodged by candidates and other stakeholders challenging results declared in different villages and cells. The Commission has been reviewing the complaints individually to establish whether the original results can stand or whether voters should return to the polling stations.Justice Byabakama said the Commission is mandated under Article 61(1)(d) of the Constitution to ascertain and declare election results.
He explained that fresh elections would only be conducted in areas where the Commission has reached a decision and communicated it to the relevant parties.The Commission has also clarified that lodging a complaint does not automatically lead to a repeat election. Each case is assessed on its own circumstances, with the Commission either upholding the original results or directing a fresh poll where the circumstances warrant it.The October elections will only constitute the first batch of repeat polls arising from the unresolved local election complaints.
Additional repeat elections could be announced as the Commission concludes consideration of other petitions and communicates its decisions to candidates, political parties and Returning Officers.Meanwhile, residents and candidates in Kireka D Village have been advised not to take part in the October repeat elections based on the earlier list, since the village was included in error. The EC said the matter remains before the Commission and its decision will be communicated after the review is completed, as the electoral body moves to conclude outstanding disputes from the 2026 Local Council elections.
