EC Chairperson Justice Byabakama Flags Off the General Update of the National Voters' Register at Kamwokya 2

By John Kusolo

The Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, officially launched the General Update of the National Voters' Register at Kamwokya 2 in Kampala Central Division.

This exercise is a key milestone in preparation for Uganda's upcoming 2025/2026 General Elections.

Speaking at the event, Justice Byabakama emphasized the importance of updating the National Voters' Register to ensure that all eligible Ugandans are included in the electoral process. He highlighted that this exercise will allow citizens who have turned 18, relocated, or changed their particulars to update their information.

"The voters' register is the cornerstone of a credible electoral process. It is our responsibility as Ugandans to ensure that we participate in this critical exercise to avoid being disenfranchised during the elections," Justice Byabakama stated.

The Chairperson further assured the public of the EC's commitment to conducting a transparent and inclusive process. He urged political leaders, civil society, and the media to mobilize citizens to participate in the exercise, which will run for a specified period across all districts.

The flag-off event was attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from political parties, local government officials, and civil society organizations. Residents of Kamwokya 2 expressed their enthusiasm about the exercise, with many turning up to verify their details and register.

The EC has deployed teams at parish and ward levels countrywide to facilitate the process. Key services being offered include voter registration for first-time voters, verification of voter particulars, and transfer of voting locations for those who have moved.

Justice Byabakama reiterated the EC's call for vigilance against misinformation and urged the public to rely on official channels for updates regarding the exercise. He also appealed for cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure the success of the initiative.

This exercise is part of broader preparations by the Electoral Commission to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in 2025/2026.

Meanwhile, in compliance with Article 61(1)(e) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Section 20 of the Electoral Commission Act (Cap 176), the Electoral Commission (EC) has launched the General Update of the National Voters’ Register in preparation for the 2025/2026 General Elections. This nationwide exercise will run from Monday, 20th January 2025, to Monday, 10th February 2025, operating daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, including weekends, at designated update stations across all parishes in Uganda.

Speaking about the exercise, Paul Bukenya,

Deputy Spokesperson of the Electoral Commission, emphasized its significance in ensuring an accurate and comprehensive Voters’ Register, which is a cornerstone for free, fair, and credible elections.

The General Update will involve several key activities aimed at registering eligible voters, updating voter information, and addressing any inconsistencies in the Voters’ Register. Below are the highlights of the planned activities:

1. Registration of Eligible Citizens

New Voter Registration: Ugandan citizens aged 18 years and above who have not yet registered as voters will have the opportunity to do so. This self-reporting process requires individuals to appear in person at the update centers to provide their details, including a photograph, signature, and fingerprints.

Already Registered Voters: Individuals already registered in Uganda do not need to register again.

2. Application for Transfer of Voting Location

Registered voters who wish to transfer their voting location can apply during this period.

Applicants must present proof of residence or origin in the parish of their desired voting location and details of their previous voting location.

Transfers can be initiated at any update center equipped with a registration kit.

3. Confirmation and Correction of Voter Information

Registered voters can verify their details and confirm their polling station during the exercise.

Errors in names, gender, or photographs can be corrected, but changes to date of birth or the inclusion of additional names will not be permitted.

The Voters’ Register will be displayed at each update station, and voters can also verify their details online at https://ec.or.ug/register.

4. Updating Learners’ Information

Details of learners registered by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) who have turned 18 will be updated.

Such individuals should present their National Identification Number (NIN) at the update centers to assign their preferred polling stations.

5. Special Interest Groups Registers

The Commission will update the following registers to facilitate elections for Special Interest Groups (SIGs):

National Youths Voters’ Register for Youth Councils and Committees.

National Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Voters’ Register for PWD Councils and Committees.

National Older Persons Voters’ Register for Older Persons Councils and Committees.

Cut-Off Date for Registration and Transfers

The EC has designated Monday, 10th February 2025, as the cut-off date for voter registration and transfer applications. Beyond this date, no further updates will be allowed.

This General Update exercise is a critical step in preparing for the smooth organization and conduct of the 2025/2026 General Elections. The EC appeals to all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and the general public, to actively participate and support the exercise.

The Electoral Commission remains committed to ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process. Citizens are encouraged to take advantage of this exercise to secure their right to vote and contribute to shaping Uganda’s democratic future.

For more information and updates, visit the EC’s official website at https://ec.or.ug.

The Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, officially launched the General Update of the National Voters' Register at Kamwokya 2 in Kampala Central Division. This exercise is a key milestone in preparation for Uganda's upcoming 2025/2026 General Elections.

Speaking at the event, Justice Byabakama emphasized the importance of updating the National Voters' Register to ensure that all eligible Ugandans are included in the electoral process. He highlighted that this exercise will allow citizens who have turned 18, relocated, or changed their particulars to update their information.

"The voters' register is the cornerstone of a credible electoral process. It is our responsibility as Ugandans to ensure that we participate in this critical exercise to avoid being disenfranchised during the elections," Justice Byabakama stated.

The Chairperson further assured the public of the EC's commitment to conducting a transparent and inclusive process. He urged political leaders, civil society, and the media to mobilize citizens to participate in the exercise, which will run for a specified period across all districts.

The flag-off event was attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from political parties, local government officials, and civil society organizations. Residents of Kamwokya 2 expressed their enthusiasm about the exercise, with many turning up to verify their details and register.

The EC has deployed teams at parish and ward levels countrywide to facilitate the process. Key services being offered include voter registration for first-time voters, verification of voter particulars, and transfer of voting locations for those who have moved.

Justice Byabakama reiterated the EC's call for vigilance against misinformation and urged the public to rely on official channels for updates regarding the exercise. He also appealed for cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure the success of the initiative.

This exercise is part of broader preparations by the Electoral Commission to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in 2025/2026.

Meanwhile, in compliance with Article 61(1)(e) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Section 20 of the Electoral Commission Act (Cap 176), the Electoral Commission (EC) has launched the General Update of the National Voters’ Register in preparation for the 2025/2026 General Elections. This nationwide exercise will run from Monday, 20th January 2025, to Monday, 10th February 2025, operating daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, including weekends, at designated update stations across all parishes in Uganda.

Speaking about the exercise, Paul Bukenya, Deputy Spokesperson of the Electoral Commission, emphasized its significance in ensuring an accurate and comprehensive Voters’ Register, which is a cornerstone for free, fair, and credible elections.

The General Update will involve several key activities aimed at registering eligible voters, updating voter information, and addressing any inconsistencies in the Voters’ Register. Below are the highlights of the planned activities:

1. Registration of Eligible Citizens

New Voter Registration: Ugandan citizens aged 18 years and above who have not yet registered as voters will have the opportunity to do so. This self-reporting process requires individuals to appear in person at the update centers to provide their details, including a photograph, signature, and fingerprints.

Already Registered Voters: Individuals already registered in Uganda do not need to register again.

2. Application for Transfer of Voting Location

Registered voters who wish to transfer their voting location can apply during this period.

Applicants must present proof of residence or origin in the parish of their desired voting location and details of their previous voting location.

Transfers can be initiated at any update center equipped with a registration kit.

3. Confirmation and Correction of Voter Information

Registered voters can verify their details and confirm their polling station during the exercise.

Errors in names, gender, or photographs can be corrected, but changes to date of birth or the inclusion of additional names will not be permitted.

The Voters’ Register will be displayed at each update station, and voters can also verify their details online at https://ec.or.ug/register.

4. Updating Learners’ Information

Details of learners registered by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) who have turned 18 will be updated.

Such individuals should present their National Identification Number (NIN) at the update centers to assign their preferred polling stations.

5. Special Interest Groups Registers

The Commission will update the following registers to facilitate elections for Special Interest Groups (SIGs):

National Youths Voters’ Register for Youth Councils and Committees.

National Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Voters’ Register for PWD Councils and Committees.

National Older Persons Voters’ Register for Older Persons Councils and Committees.

Cut-Off Date for Registration and Transfers

The EC has designated Monday, 10th February 2025, as the cut-off date for voter registration and transfer applications. Beyond this date, no further updates will be allowed.

This General Update exercise is a critical step in preparing for the smooth organization and conduct of the 2025/2026 General Elections. The EC appeals to all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and the general public, to actively participate and support the exercise.

The Electoral Commission remains committed to ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process. Citizens are encouraged to take advantage of this exercise to secure their right to vote and contribute to shaping Uganda’s democratic future.

For more information and updates, visit the EC’s official website at https://ec.or.ug.