The Electoral Commission (EC) chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, has called on eligible Ugandans to take advantage of the ongoing General Update of the National Voters Register, describing it as a critical step in preparing for the 2025/2026 General Elections.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing on Friday, January 24, 2025, Byabakama said the update exercise, which started on January 20 and runs until February 10, is being conducted in all parishes across the country, including weekends, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The exercise allows Ugandans aged 18 and above who have not previously registered to be added to the voters roll. It also enables registered voters to transfer to new polling stations, verify and correct their particulars, and for learners who turned 18 after registering with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to be assigned polling stations.
“This exercise gives citizens the foundation to exercise their constitutional right to vote, contest elective positions, support candidates, serve as agents, or even petition elections. If you are not on the National Voters Register, you cannot participate in any of these,” Byabakama emphasized.
The update also covers Special Interest Groups (SIGs), including the registers for youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and older persons, in preparation for their respective council and committee elections.
Challenges Noted
Byabakama acknowledged challenges with equipment and logistics. The EC is using 2,703 biometric registration kits supplied by NIRA, against a requirement of 5,000. Some of the machines, first procured in 2014/2015, have experienced breakdowns.
“We have deployed technical teams to troubleshoot and repair faulty machines, while also rotating the kits across parishes to ensure coverage,” he explained.
Concerns have also been raised about the role of security agencies in the process, particularly the requirement for first-time registrants to obtain letters from GISOs or DISOs to verify citizenship. Byabakama clarified that this requirement applies only to new applicants, stressing that citizenship verification is a NIRA mandate.
On reported low turnout, the EC chairperson noted that this was expected since the majority of Ugandans are already registered. He added that many are confirming their details through the Commission’s online portal rather than physically visiting update centres.
Kawempe North By-Election
Byabakama also announced that the EC will conduct a by-election in Kawempe Division North following the death of MP Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9, 2025. The Commission will also organize a by-election for the directly elected councillor for Kazo-Angola Ward in Kawempe Division.
The program for these by-elections will be shared with stakeholders during a meeting scheduled for January 27, 2025.
Appeal to Stakeholders
Byabakama thanked political parties, civil society, religious and cultural leaders, LC1 chairpersons, and the media for supporting the process.
“We appeal to all Ugandans to make use of this opportunity so that, together, we compile a credible and clean National Voters Register,” he said.
