LC1 Polls Put Electoral Credibility And Grassroots Power Under Scrutiny

Kampala, August 3, 2026 - The Forum for Democratic Change has criticised the conduct of the recently concluded Local Council I elections, alleging violence, intimidation and electoral malpractice in the village-level polls.

Party vice chairperson Robert Centenary said Ugandans who participated had shown commitment to local governance, but argued that the process fell short of the standards required for a free and credible election. The party called on the Electoral Commission to investigate the allegations.

The dispute matters beyond the village level because LC1 structures are the foundation of Uganda's local administration, dispute resolution and community mobilisation. They also provide the ruling National Resistance Movement and opposition parties with grassroots networks that shape broader political organisation.

The NRM's strong performance has shifted attention from campaign victory to service delivery expectations at village level, including sanitation, security coordination and local administration. Preparations are also continuing for LC2 chairperson races, extending the political test into the next tier of local government.