Millions of Ugandans today headed to the polls to elect Local Council One (LC1) chairpersons in a nationwide grassroots election.

While the exercise was largely peaceful, heavy voter turnout delayed the start of voting in several areas, with security personnel intervening to restore order at some polling stations.

In Nansana Municipality, celebrations erupted as winners were declared, with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) claiming victory in most of the villages.

Ugandans across the country today elected their Local Council One (LC1) chairpersons in an exercise that attracted large numbers of voters.

In Nansana Municipality, voting started later than scheduled at several polling stations after Electoral Commission officials spent time verifying voters' names against the register due to the overwhelming turnout.

At Ganda Village, the atmosphere remained tense as hundreds of voters gathered at the polling station, prompting security personnel to closely monitor the exercise to maintain peace and order.

Meanwhile, at St. Stephen's Church of Uganda Polling Station in Nansana West II, security officers fired tear gas to disperse a rowdy crowd after some voters attempted to force their way into the polling area before the verification process had been completed.

Elsewhere, celebrations broke out in several villages as newly elected LC1 chairpersons were declared winners, with supporters singing and dancing in celebration.

The victorious candidates pledged to improve service delivery, promote unity, and address community challenges during their term of office.

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) also celebrated after its candidates secured victory in the majority of the contested LC1 chairperson seats across the municipality.

The LC1 elections marked another important step in strengthening grassroots leadership, with the newly elected chairpersons expected to champion community development and improve service delivery at the village level.