The government has declared Tuesday, 28 July 2026, a public holiday across Uganda to allow eligible voters to participate in the Local Council elections.
The Uganda Media Centre announced the decision in a statement issued on 24 July and signed by its Executive Director, Alan Kasujja.
“To enable you to participate in the Local Council Elections, 28th July, 2026 is a Public Holiday,” the statement reads.
The announcement comes four days before the elections, when voters across the country are expected to choose leaders at village, parish and sub-county levels.
The public holiday is intended to give voters, election officials and other people involved in the exercise sufficient time to participate without the constraints of their normal working schedules.
Government offices and schools are expected to close for the day, while many businesses may also suspend normal operations. Essential services, including health care and security, are expected to continue operating.
Preparations for the polls have been under way, with the Electoral Commission completing key processes, including candidate nominations and updates to the voters’ register.
Election officials and political stakeholders have also urged Ugandans to participate in the polls, emphasising the role Local Councils play in addressing issues affecting communities at grassroots level.
“We encourage all eligible voters to come out and vote peacefully,” an Electoral Commission official said earlier this week.
Local Council leaders are among the government representatives closest to residents and are involved in handling a range of community matters and connecting citizens with higher levels of administration.
The elections are expected to attract voters from communities across Uganda as the country chooses a new set of grassroots leaders.
The Uganda Media Centre said additional information concerning the elections would be issued through official government communication channels.
