Photo : By Brenda Achen

By : Brenda Achen

The election of women leaders at the lower administrative level has been characterized by low voter turnout and a high number of unopposed candidates in several villages across Paidha Town Council and other areas.

 Ugandans  elected five members of Village Women Committees on July 23, 2026, ahead of the Village (LC1) Chairperson elections slated for July 28, 2026.

The Village Women Council elections are aimed at filling key leadership positions, including chairperson, vice chairperson, treasurer, secretary and secretary for publicity. The elected chairpersons will later participate in the election of women leaders at parish, sub-county, district and national levels.

In Paidha Town Council, several candidates went through the election process unopposed. Janet Awekonimungu, the Women Council Chairperson for Jupanyondo East Cell in Nyibola Ward, confirmed that she was declared unopposed alongside candidates in neighbouring cells.

Janet said the outcome reflected limited competition for the positions, with many areas recording only single candidates nominated for the available leadership roles.

Meanwhile, some residents attributed the low voter enthusiasm to repeated postponements of grassroots elections and other ongoing community challenges.

Phillip Onega, a resident of Jupanyondo who is seeking another term as LC1 Chairperson, said the frequent extensions of the grassroots elections had created voter fatigue and contributed to public apathy.

He added that the recent enforcement of the national trade order in Paidha Town Council had also affected residents, as many business operators and community members were still adjusting to their new locations.

The grassroots elections are expected to strengthen community participation by giving residents an opportunity to choose leaders who will represent their interests from the village level up to the national women leadership structure.

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