The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has welcomed the Electoral Commission’s roadmap for the long-delayed Local and Women’s Council elections but criticised the method of voting by lining up behind candidates, warning that it could fuel division and violence within communities.

Addressing journalists at a press conference on Wednesday, June 24th, 2026, at Uganda House in Kampala, the party Spokesperson, Sharon Arach Oyat said the party supports the roadmap announced on June 22nd, but urged the Electoral Commission to adopt secret ballot voting for LCI elections instead of the proposed lining-up method.

“By lining up behind a candidate, we feel it is more inclined in creating issues within our communities, including violence… we are saying electoral commission should reconsider and turn this election into a separate ballot, rather than lining up behind a particular candidate for the sake of unity and patriotism of Ugandans,” Oyat said.

She called on UPC leaders and members across the country to intensify mobilisation efforts and encourage the party’s identified flag bearers to participate in the elections.

According to the roadmap, registration of voters runs from July 6th-10th, 2026, display of registers from July 13th-14th, nomination of candidates for women’s committees from 15th to 19th, women’s council elections on July 23rd, and LC1 elections on July 28th, 2026.

Oyat also announced the passing of John William Bulolo, the UPC Kayunga District Chairperson, who died on Sunday, June 21st, 2026.

She paid tribute to his decades of dedicated service to the party since 1960 and described him as a source of inspiration during difficult periods.

She also condemned ongoing lawlessness and unlawful arrests in the country, calling on all Ugandans to rise up collectively against injustice rather than remaining silent.