Radio Apac

Apac election officials ready for voter update exercise

18 January 2025, 10:19 pm

By Mike Okwang Ogule

The election officials during practical skills training.

As preparations for Uganda’s 2026 General Elections gather momentum, election officials in Apac district have been trained to spearhead the upcoming general voters’ register update exercise.

The training, conducted today, January 18, 2025, at Double Duez Hotel, brought together subcounty and division supervisors, parish supervisors, and update officers, equipping them with essential skills for the critical task ahead.

The voters’ register update exercise, set to run from Monday, January 20, 2025, to February 10, 2025, aims to capture new voters who have recently turned 18 or will reach voting age before the next general election. It will also cater to individuals seeking to transfer their voting locations.

Addressing the officials, the Apac District Returning Officer, Ms. Lucy Nachiyo, expressed confidence in their preparedness, urging them to execute their roles with diligence and integrity. “This exercise is fundamental to ensuring an accurate and credible voters’ register, which is the backbone of free and fair elections,” she noted.

Richard Owachgiu, the Apac District NIRA Registration Officer, emphasised the significance of adherence to legal procedures, describing the partnership between the Electoral Commission and the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) as a cornerstone of effective election planning. “By working together, we can ensure that no eligible voter is left out and that the electoral process is transparent and inclusive,” he added.

The training provided practical guidance on using NIRA registration kits, ensuring officials are equipped to handle the technical aspects of the exercise. Participants also received detailed briefings on managing voter data, resolving disputes, and maintaining professionalism throughout the 21-day activity.

The initiative has been widely lauded as a vital step in laying the groundwork for the 2026 General Elections, with stakeholders urging community members to turn up in large numbers to verify their details or register for the first time.

According to the Electoral Commission, the update will allow Ugandans to register as voters if they have turned 18, update their voting location if they have moved to a new residence, confirm their personal details to ensure accuracy in the register, and assign polling stations for newly registered voters. The exercise is set to run from Monday, January 20, 2025, to February 10, 2025, from designated update centers across the country.

Justice Simon Byabakama, the Electoral Commission chairperson, recently emphasised the importance of this exercise, stating that it ensures inclusivity and transparency in the electoral process.

“For regular free and fair elections, we must maintain an accurate and up-to-date voters’ register. This update is an opportunity for all eligible Ugandans to make their voices count,” Byabakama said.

The update is part of a broader roadmap leading up to the 2026 elections. Key upcoming activities include display of the National Voters’ Register. Once the update is complete, the register will be displayed for public scrutiny to allow for corrections or objections.