By Aggrey Twesigye
Authorities in Mbarara City have warned supporters of Mbarara City North Division Mayor Kyabwisho Gumisiriza and his longtime rival Benon Mugume against disrupting Electoral Commission activities ahead of the upcoming Local Council One (LC1) elections.
The warning follows clashes between supporters of the two leaders in Rwebyihuro Cell on Wednesday, forcing police to fire warning shots into the air to restore order.
Mbarara City North Division Deputy Resident City Commissioner Jackline Kankunda cautioned that individuals found interfering with the electoral process will face arrest and prosecution.
The Electoral Commission has set July 28, 2026 as the polling date for LC1 and LC2 elections, where voters will elect village and parish leaders across the country.
The elections come after several extensions of the terms of office for LC1 and LC2 leaders, whose mandates expired in 2023.
Uganda has 71,214 villages, which will participate in the LC1 elections. Each village will serve as a polling area where residents will elect LC1 chairpersons and members of the Village Executive Committees.
