By Alice
The registration of voters ahead of the LC1 and Women Council elections got underway today across Fort Portal City, although most centers recorded a low turnout on the first day.
The Electoral Commission exercise began at 8:00am in all villages and registration centers. It is aimed at updating the village register, which will be used in the forthcoming Local Council One elections.
Speaking to Jubilee Radio, Isaac Byamugisha, the returning officer for Fort Portal City, said the exercise is crucial because only names appearing on the village register will be eligible to vote in the LC1 elections.
Byamugisha said the five-day village voter registration exercise will run until 10th July 2026. After that, the Electoral Commission will display the village LC1 voters’ register from 13th to 14th July.
He added that the process will be followed by the issuance of nomination forms at parish level to aspiring candidates, nomination of candidates for village LC1 chairperson, and campaigns for the same office from 20th to 27th July.
According to Byamugisha, elections for LC1 chairpersons will be held on 28th July through lining up, followed by counting, filling of forms, declaration of the winner, and approval of the LC1 executive by the village council meeting.
Byamugisha reminded residents that registration is free and must be done in person using a National Identity Card. He said an eligible voter must be an ordinary resident of the village and aged 18 years and above, urging the public to take part in the exercise.