Our Reporter | Mbale City — The Bugisu Cultural Institution has pledged to mobilise residents across the Bugisu sub-region to ensure maximum participation in the forthcoming Local Council (LC) elections scheduled for July 28, 2026.
Speaking in Mbale City, the institution’s spokesperson, Steven Masiga, said the cultural leadership, under the guidance of Umukuka, is committed to encouraging every eligible resident to take part in the elections, either as voters or candidates.
Masiga said the institution considers civic mobilisation a key responsibility, noting that both cultural and constitutional mandates require traditional leaders to support government programmes that promote citizen participation.
“On behalf of Umukuka, the cultural cabinet and the entire Bugisu region, I commit that nobody will be left behind. We have both cultural and constitutional responsibilities to mobilise our people to participate in all government programmes, including the upcoming Local Council elections,” Masiga said.
Bugisu comprises seven districts and Mbale City, with more than 250 sub-counties and approximately 5,000 villages, making voter mobilisation a significant undertaking.
While acknowledging that the Electoral Commission has the primary mandate to conduct the elections, Masiga praised the commission for working closely with cultural institutions during the electoral process.
He specifically commended Sarah Mukwaya, the Electoral Commission’s Regional Returning Officer for Elgon, and Michael Arinaitwe, the Mbale City Returning Officer, for their efforts in voter mobilisation and election preparations.
Masiga said the Bugisu Cultural Institution will complement the Electoral Commission’s work by reminding residents about the importance of participating in the election of Local Council I and Local Council II chairpersons and their executive committees.
He encouraged eligible citizens to register, vote and also consider contesting for leadership positions, urging aspiring candidates to conduct peaceful campaigns.
“We expect leaders who will serve their communities with distinction. Those seeking office should persuade voters through peaceful appeals rather than intimidation,” he said.
Masiga also appealed to all registered voters residing in the region, regardless of nationality or ethnic background, to participate in the elections. He specifically mentioned members of the Chinese, Lebanese, Somali, Kenyan, Indian, Eritrean, Ethiopian and British communities, as well as Ugandans from neighbouring regions including Teso, Karamoja, Bugwere, Bunyole, Sebei, Lango, Acholi, Ankole and Kigezi, alongside Sudanese and Rwandese residents legally registered to vote.
He further called upon all Bamasaba, Banyole, Babukusu and other communities living in Bugisu to exercise their democratic rights.
The cultural spokesperson also applauded the security leadership in the Elgon sub-region for maintaining peace and stability ahead of the polls, expressing confidence that the elections would be conducted in a peaceful environment.
He urged residents to reject violence and uphold the rule of law throughout the electoral period.
“There is no place for violence in Uganda’s laws. We appeal to everyone to remain calm and participate peacefully. Let us come out in large numbers on July 28 and elect leaders who will serve our communities diligently,” Masiga said.
The Local Council elections are expected to be held nationwide on July 28, 2026, with Ugandans electing LC I and LC II chairpersons and their executive committees.
