By Christine Akankunda
Candidates seeking Local Council One (LC1) chairperson positions in North Division, Fort Portal City, have been cautioned against engaging in early campaigns before the official campaign period begins.
The warning was issued by the North Division Electoral Commission Sub-county Supervisor, Julius Kagaba, during the ongoing nomination exercise.
Kagaba reminded aspiring candidates that campaigning before the Electoral Commission’s designated period is an electoral offence. He urged all nominated candidates to wait until 20th July 2026, when campaigns are officially scheduled to commence.
He also noted that the nomination exercise, which started on 15th July, will continue until 19th July 2026, and emphasized that the process is free of charge, warning candidates and the public against paying any money for nomination services.
Among the candidates successfully nominated on the first day were Stephen Kairumba, the NRM flag bearer for Kibooro Cell in Karambi Ward; Robert Baguma, an independent candidate for Nyakaina-Njenga Cell; and the incumbent Sunday Christopher, seeking re-election as LC1 Chairperson for Buheesi Cell, among others.
Speaking shortly after their nomination, the candidates pledged to work closely with residents to improve service delivery in their respective communities. They identified access to clean water, education, and effective implementation of government programmes as some of their key priorities if elected.
The Electoral Commission has announced that the LC1 elections, scheduled for 28th July 2026, will be conducted using the lining-up voting system. The exercise is expected to take place in more than 70,000 villages across Uganda.