One Person, One Vote: How BVVK Will Shape Uganda’s 2026 Elections
The BVVK was first introduced by the Electoral Commission (EC) during the 2016 General Elections as part of broader reforms aimed at addressing long-standing electoral challenges. These include voter impersonation, multiple voting, ballot stuffing, and the use of unauthorized ballot papers.
As Uganda prepares for the 2026 General Elections, electoral integrity is once again at the centre of national attention. At the heart of this effort is a small but powerful piece of technology—the Biometric Voter Verification Kit (BVVK). Quietly deployed at every polling station, the BVVK is expected to play a decisive role in safeguarding the credibility, transparency, and trustworthiness of the electoral process.
A Technology Designed to Protect the Vote
The BVVK was first introduced by the Electoral Commission (EC) during the 2016 General Elections as part of broader reforms aimed at addressing long-standing electoral challenges. These include voter impersonation, multiple voting, ballot stuffing, and the use of unauthorized ballot papers. For the 2026 polls, the Commission has further strengthened this system, rolling out 109,142 upgraded BVVKs nationwide.
The improved devices come with enhanced security features designed to reinforce public confidence and ensure that elections are conducted strictly in accordance with the law.
Polling Station-Specific Control
On polling day, operations begin early. Before any voting takes place, each BVVK is assigned exclusively to a specific polling station. This is done by scanning a QR code from the official Voters Register. Once activated, the device displays the polling station’s unique details, effectively locking it to that location and preventing misuse elsewhere.
This station-specific configuration ensures that voting materials and verification processes cannot be transferred or manipulated across polling stations.
Verification of Election Officials
Accountability begins with election officials themselves. Before voting starts, the Presiding Officer and the BVVK operator must authenticate their identities using approved credentials such as National IDs, Voter Location Slips, fingerprints, or facial recognition. This step ensures that only duly authorized personnel manage the voting process, strengthening administrative integrity at the polling station.
Securing Ballot Papers from the Start
Ballot papers are placed under strict technological control. Each booklet of ballot papers is scanned into the BVVK before voting begins. This process allows the device to recognize only ballots officially issued to that particular polling station. Any attempt to introduce fake or unauthorized ballots can therefore be detected during verification and post-voting checks.
Public Oversight Before Voting Begins
Uganda’s electoral law requires transparency at every stage. Voting cannot begin unless at least ten voters are present to witness the opening of the polls. These voters are biometrically verified using the BVVK, and their details are marked in the Voters Register. This public verification officially signals the commencement of voting and reassures voters that the process has started lawfully.
One Person, One Vote—Enforced by Biometrics
Throughout the day, every voter must undergo biometric verification before receiving a ballot paper. Using fingerprint scanning or facial recognition, the BVVK confirms a voter’s identity and eligibility. Without successful verification, no ballot can be issued.
This process firmly enforces the principle of one person, one vote, eliminating multiple voting and impersonation.
Before a ballot paper is handed to the voter, it is scanned once more at the Presiding Officer’s table. Polling assistants guide voters through the process, ensuring clarity, order, and efficiency.
Protecting the Secrecy of the Vote
Despite its advanced verification capabilities, the BVVK does not compromise voter privacy. The Electoral Commission emphasizes that the device does not link voter identities to ballot choices. Once a voter receives a ballot, how they vote remains entirely secret, in line with constitutional and electoral law requirements.
Poll Closing and Post-Voting Accountability
Polling officially closes at 4:00 pm, after all voters who were already in line have cast their ballots. The Presiding Officer then formally closes the polls on the BVVK, triggering the post-voting accountability phase.
At this stage, all ballot papers—used, unused, and spoiled—are scanned again. The BVVK confirms whether each ballot was officially issued to that polling station. Any ballot that fails verification is set aside and recorded in the Official Report Book, in full view of election officials, party agents, observers, and members of the public.
Digital Backups for Transparency
To further enhance transparency and auditability, key election documents—including the Declaration of Results and Accountability of Ballot Papers forms—are scanned and photographed using the BVVK. This creates a secure digital record that complements the physical documents and strengthens confidence in the final results.
A System Built on Trust and Participation
Once all procedures are completed, the Presiding Officer officially closes the election round on the BVVK, marking the final step in a tightly controlled and transparent system.
As Uganda heads toward the 2026 General Elections, the BVVK stands as a central pillar in delivering elections that are credible, verifiable, and trusted. The Electoral Commission continues to encourage Ugandans to embrace the technology, participate peacefully, and trust in the secrecy and integrity of their vote.
In an era where confidence in democratic institutions is critical, the BVVK ensures that every verified vote truly counts—and that the will of the people remains at the core of Uganda’s democracy.
