The Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has urged Ugandans, particularly the youth, to turn up in large numbers and participate in the Local Council I (LC1) elections scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Addressing journalists at the ONC headquarters in Kyambogo, Chief Muzzukulu called on citizens to peacefully exercise their constitutional right by electing leaders committed to development, accountability, unity and effective service delivery at the grassroots.
“Turn up in large numbers and participate in the LC1 elections. Vote peacefully, uphold the democratic process, and elect leaders committed to development, accountability, unity, and effective service delivery,” she said.
She encouraged voters to arrive at polling stations as early as 7:00 a.m., remain disciplined throughout the exercise and carefully choose leaders who will genuinely represent the interests of their communities.
Describing the LC1 Chairperson as the “president of the village,” Namyalo said the position plays a critical role in coordinating government programmes and addressing challenges affecting communities.
“The LC1 Chairperson is the president of the village, so vote wisely for leaders who will work closely with the government to deliver services to the people,” she said.
She urged voters to reject leaders associated with land grabbing, corruption and criminality, instead choosing individuals who will promote community development and ensure government programmes, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), reach citizens at the grassroots.
“Don't vote for land grabbers or people who collude with thieves. Vote for leaders who will lobby for government programmes to reach villages, raise the alarm when medicines are lacking in health facilities, and ensure community concerns are brought to the attention of the relevant authorities,” she added.
Chief Muzzukulu also expressed concern over the conduct of the Women Council elections, saying voting in some villages ended as early as 8:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m., leaving some eligible voters unable to participate.
She urged voters to report to polling stations early to avoid missing the opportunity to cast their ballots.
The ONC manager further cautioned senior National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders against interfering in the electoral process by imposing candidates on communities, stressing that leadership should be based on the free choice of voters.
“Nobody should intimidate residents because it is their constitutional right to vote. Go and exercise your right freely,” she said.
She revealed that the ONC had deployed district and regional coordinators across the country to mobilise citizens to participate in the elections and monitor the performance of NRM candidates, while clarifying that the coordinators would not interfere with the work of the Electoral Commission.
“Our district and regional coordinators are there to mobilise Ugandans to participate in the elections and monitor our candidates. They are not there to interfere with the electoral process or perform the duties of the Electoral Commission,” she explained.
Namyalo said peaceful, free and credible LC1 elections are essential for strengthening grassroots democracy and ensuring villages are led by accountable leaders focused on improving service delivery.
She concluded by urging Ugandans to carefully consider their choices, reminding them that the leaders elected will influence the direction of their communities over the next five years.
“Let us vote for people you will not regret electing for the next five years,” she said.
