A wave of political activity is sweeping through villages across Uganda, even as the Electoral Commission (EC) remains tight-lipped on official polling dates.
Aspiring candidates for Local Council 1 (LC1) and LC2 positions are quietly mobilizing, yet without a formal roadmap, both incumbents and challengers find themselves in a state of “strategic waiting.”
Despite repeated assurances from government ministers—including the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance—that the long-delayed elections would finally take place in 2026, the absence of statutory instruments from the EC continues to fuel uncertainty.
In Pepsi Cola Village, Industrial Area Parish, Kampala, anticipation is palpable. Samuel Aliku, the incumbent LC1 Chairman since 2018, says potential rivals are already making subtle moves. Joseph Lukwago, LC1 Chairman of 7th Street Industrial Area, adds that interest in Kampala is even higher. While the role comes without a salary, he insists the motivation is a sense of civic duty.
The delays, originally scheduled for 2023, are largely attributed to funding shortages. The Ministry of Local Government estimates that 56.9 billion shillings will be required to conduct nationwide elections.
Ministers have hinted at a March or April 2026 window, but the EC has yet to confirm an official date. For now, candidates and communities alike are left waiting, navigating the delicate balance between preparation and patience.
By Olivia Nabaggala
26th Mar 2026
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