When did the Electoral Commission begin updating the National Voters Register?
In preparation for Uganda’s 2025-2026 General Elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) has launched a nationwide exercise to update the National Voters Register. The update, which started today, January 20, 2025, will run until February 10, 2025, and is aimed at ensuring a credible, comprehensive, and up-to-date voter list for the upcoming elections.
The exercise will take place across all of Uganda’s 10,717 parishes and wards. It will be conducted daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, including weekends. Local update stations will be established, with details on their locations to be widely publicized.
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Ensuring Eligible Citizens Are Registered
According to EC Spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi, the update is essential for enabling all eligible Ugandan citizens, aged 18 and above, who are not yet registered as voters, to do so. The exercise also offers an opportunity for registered voters to review and update their voter details, ensuring that their information is accurate and reflects their correct polling station preferences.
“The update of the National Voters Register is very significant because it is through this exercise that the country and the Commission will generate a credible National Voters Register,” Mucunguzi said. “Remember, to be able to be a voter, to be able to be a candidate, to be able to be an agent of a candidate, or to be able to raise a petition if there is an election matter, you must first and foremost be a registered voter,” he added.
Transfer of Voting Locations and Special Categories
The update exercise also provides an opportunity for registered voters to request a transfer to new polling locations if they have moved or need to change their voting station. Students who were registered under the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and have turned 18 will be able to present their National Identification Number (NIN) to register and be assigned to a polling station within their parish of residence.
The EC emphasized that there is no need for citizens already on the voter register to re-register. However, they are encouraged to verify that their details, including names and photographs, are correct and up to date.
Why should voters engage in updating the National Voters Register?
Mucunguzi urged all eligible voters to take advantage of this window, which closes on February 10, 2025. Those who miss this deadline will not be able to participate in the general elections. “It is important that all those who are eligible use this window to show up and ensure they are registered as voters,” he stated.
Special Interest Groups to Be Included
In addition to the general voter registration, the EC will also update the Voters’ Registers for Special Interest Groups (SIGs). This includes the National Youth Voters’ Register for the election of Youth Councils and Committees, the National PWDs Voters’ Register for the election of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Councils and Committees, and the National Older Persons Voters’ Register for the election of Older Persons Councils and Committees.
This comprehensive update process is vital for ensuring the inclusivity and accuracy of Uganda’s National Voters Register as the country prepares for the 2025-2026 elections.
As the deadline approaches, the Electoral Commission urges all eligible citizens to ensure they are registered and to verify their registration details during the update period.
