By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Uganda’s opposition Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has urged voters to turn out in large numbers for the final phase of local government elections scheduled for next week, amid concerns over low participation in recent polls.
The party called on citizens to show the same commitment they demonstrated during the presidential and parliamentary elections by voting in sub-county local council polls set for Wednesday, 4 February 2026.
“Let the same zeal and determination be extended to the last leg of the local government elections at the sub-county level,” said Muzeeyi Faizo, the UPC’s head of media and communications.
Local council elections held since 15 January have recorded low voter turnout in several parts of the country. Critics have attributed this to inadequate voter education by the Electoral Commission, heavy security deployment, and voter fatigue following what they described as chaotic scenes during the presidential elections. Allegations of electoral malpractice have also persisted.
However, the UPC said voters should not lose faith in the electoral process, appealing to all eligible Ugandans to exercise their right to vote.
“UPC is calling upon all voters to turn up in big numbers and vote for UPC candidates. This goes a long way in enabling the party to link up with the grassroots and ensure formidable mobilisation,” Faizo said.
He added that sustained participation at the local level was key to rebuilding the party’s national presence.
“It is through this kind of spirit that the party can forge and reclaim its status as vanguard and defender of the needs of the common man,” he said.
Faizo cited the party’s strong performance in Tuesday’s repeat parliamentary election in Ajuri County, Alebtong District, where UPC candidate Fred Jalameso defeated Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua, as evidence of growing grassroots support.
Although the UPC did not field a presidential candidate in the most recent general elections, it emerged as one of the parties with the highest number of elected legislators. Twelve UPC Members of Parliament are expected to take their seats in the 12th Parliament when it is sworn in later this year.
The party has also secured several local council positions, particularly in the Lango sub-region, which remains its traditional stronghold.
