By Nasser Kasozi Akandwanaho
The Uganda Electoral Commission (EC) has commenced the general update of the National Voters Register in preparation for the 2025-2026 General Elections.
The exercise which will run up to 10th February 2025 daily from 8 am to 6 pm was today, Monday, January 20th officially launched by EC Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon at Kamwokya II, Kampala Central Division in Kampala City.
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 noted.
The EC Chairperson has also visited Kalerewe Market, Kawempe Division in Kampala city, engaging vendors on the importance of registering and updating voter details.
“The general update of the National Voters Register is a very important exercise in preparation for the smooth organization and conduct of the 2025/2026 General Elections,” Mucunguzi reiterated.
Julius Mucunguzi, the official spokesperson of the Commission told DailyExpress that the update aims to allow eligible Ugandan citizens aged 18 years and above, who have not yet registered as voters, to do so. “It will enable all Ugandans to Register as a voter if he or she has turned 18 years or older, help them transfer to a new polling station, Update or verify details, help to delete this that died,” he said.
“Remember that, 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 in the event that there is an election matter, you must first and foremost be a registered voter, and you must be on the National Voters Register. So, it is critical and significant that for any citizen of Uganda that is eligible, to be able to exercise their rights under Article 59 of the Constitution, which grants the right to vote, you must be on the National Voters Register,” Mucunguzi emphasized.
He further explained that “individuals already registered as voters do not need to register again. However, the exercise enables them to verify and confirm that their details are accurate and correctly reflected in the Voters Register at their specified voting locations.”
Additionally, the Commission will update the Voters’ Registers for Special Interest Groups (SIGs), including;- The National Youth Voters’ Register for Youth Councils and Committees elections, The National PWDs (Persons with Disabilities) Voters’ Register for PWD Councils and Committees elections, and The National Older Persons Voters’ Register for Older Persons Councils and Committees elections.
“The general update of the National Voters Register is a very important exercise in preparation for the smooth organization and conduct of the 2025/2026 General Elections,” Mucunguzi reiterated.
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