EC Chairperson Updates Country on General Update of the National Voters Register and Preparations for By-elections in Kawempe Division North

Speaking during a press conference on 24th January 2025, Justice Byabakama emphasized the significance of the exercise, which commenced on 20th January 2025, in preparation for Uganda's 2025/2026 General Elections.

Jan 24, 2025 - 12:52
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EC Chairperson Updates Country on General Update of the National Voters Register and Preparations for By-elections in Kawempe Division North
Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, Chairperson Electoral Commission addressing the Press at the EC Premises

The Electoral Commission (EC), led by its Chairperson Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, has provided a detailed update on the ongoing exercise for the General Update of the National Voters Register. Speaking during a press conference on 24th January 2025, Justice Byabakama emphasized the significance of the exercise, which commenced on 20th January 2025, in preparation for Uganda's 2025/2026 General Elections.

Purpose and Scope of the Exercise

The General Update of the National Voters Register is being conducted in accordance with Article 61(1)(e) of the Constitution of Uganda and Section 20 of the Electoral Commission Act (Cap 176). The exercise, which runs until 10th February 2025, aims to:

Register Eligible Citizens: Ugandan citizens aged 18 years and above who have not yet registered as voters are encouraged to do so at their parish of residence or origin. The process involves capturing personal details, fingerprints, and photographs.

Facilitate Transfers: Registered voters who wish to transfer their voting locations are required to provide proof of residency or origin in the new voting parish, along with details of their previous voting location.

Verify and Correct Details: Registered voters can check their details on the Voters Register at update centers or online at www.ec.or.ug/register. Corrections can only be made for errors such as spelling mistakes, gender, or mismatched photographs, while changes to age, date of birth, or additional names are not allowed.

Integrate Learners into the Register: Students registered under NIRA’s learners project and who have since turned 18 years are encouraged to present their National Identification Numbers (NIN) for polling station assignment. Update

Special Interest Group Registers: The exercise also includes updating the registers for the National Youths, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and Older Persons for the election of their respective councils and committees.

Operational Framework and Challenges 

The exercise is being conducted at designated update centers nationwide from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, including weekends. Justice Byabakama acknowledged challenges faced in the early days of the exercise, including:

Insufficient Registration Kits: While the EC required 5,000 kits, only 2,703 kits, provided by NIRA, are available. To mitigate this, the EC has scheduled kit rotation to ensure adequate coverage, especially in high-population districts such as Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono. Aging Equipment: The kits, originally procured during the 2014/2015 NSIS project, have reported cases of breakdowns. Technical teams have been deployed to address malfunctions promptly.

Citizenship Verification: First-time applicants are required to present letters from the Gombolola or District Internal Security Officers (GISOs/DISOs) to verify their citizenship. The EC has collaborated with security agencies to streamline this process.

Low Turnout Concerns: Reports of low turnout have been addressed by clarifying that this is not a mass registration but an update exercise targeting specific groups. The EC has also noted that many voters are verifying their details online, reducing physical attendance at update centers.

Mobilization and Public Engagement

Justice Byabakama commended stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, media, religious leaders, and LC1 chairpersons, for their continued support in mobilizing communities. He emphasized the importance of registering to enable participation in voting, contesting for positions, supporting candidates, or raising election-related petitions.

Preparations for By-elections in Kawempe Division North 

The EC also announced preparations for parliamentary and local council by-elections in Kawempe Division North following the death of Hon. Ssegirinya Muhammad on 9th January 2025. A by-election for the Directly Elected Councillor for Kazo-Angola Ward in Kawempe Division will also be conducted concurrently. The detailed program for these by-elections will be shared with stakeholders on 27th January 2025.

Justice Byabakama reiterated the EC’s commitment to compiling a credible and clean National Voters Register. He called on eligible citizens to seize the opportunity to register and verify their details, underscoring the constitutional right to vote as a cornerstone of democracy.

As Uganda prepares for the 2025/2026 General Elections, the General Update of the National Voters Register remains a critical step in ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections.

John Kusolo John Kusolo is a Ugandan Journalist, Sport fanatic, Tourist, Pastor, and Motivational Speaker. * Journalist: He works for Nile Chronicles News, NCN. * Passion: Known for his dedication to his work and strong motivation. * Ambitious: He sets goals for himself and strives to achieve them. * Enjoys challenges: He thrives in challenging situations.