Electoral Commission starts regional workshops on 2025/2026 voter register

10 January 2025, 4:25 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Electoral Commission is mandated under Article 61(1)(e) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995 (as amended) and Sections 18 and 20 of the Electoral Commission Act, Cap 40, to compile, maintain, revise, and update the National Voters Register.

In line with this mandate, the Electoral Commission (EC) recently held a stakeholders’ workshop at Hotel Africana, where various stakeholders participated and were welcomed by the Commission’s Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama.

In his statement, Justice Byabakama thanked the Almighty God for bringing everyone safely into the new year 2025. “As you are aware, the Electoral Commission is established under Article 60 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and is mandated under Article 61 of the same constitution to, among other responsibilities, ensure that regular, free, and fair elections and referenda are held. Since our establishment by the constitution, the Commission has organised and conducted six general elections, as well as several parliamentary, local government council elections, and by-elections,” he said.

The Chairperson highlighted their progress, stating, “Regarding our progress, the implementation of programmes for the demarcation of local government council election areas and the identification and mapping of people with disabilities (PWDs) on the national voters’ register, as a measure to ensure the entire electoral process is as inclusive as possible, is underway. This ensures that the process is conducted under conditions of freedom and fairness, allowing persons with disabilities to vote without hindrance.”

According to the Commission, the implementation of the roadmap for the 2025/2026 general elections is now at critical stages, with the commencement of the general update of the national voters’ register in each parish or ward across the country, in line with Article 61(1)(e) of the Constitution. The general update of the register will take place from Monday, 20th January 2025 to Sunday, 10th February 2025, between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm each day, including weekends.

The purpose of the update is to allow eligible Ugandan citizens aged 18 and above, who are not yet registered as voters, to do so. It will also enable registered voters who wish to transfer to new voting locations to apply for such transfers, and allow voters to check and confirm that their details are correct and appear on the voters’ register at the voting locations indicated during registration.

The Commission appeals to all stakeholders in the electoral process to support the update exercise through enthusiastic participation and adherence to the guidelines issued for this process.

“In the implementation of the update exercise, the Commission will sensitise and mobilise the public through voter education outreach and publicity to enhance participation. As you support our mobilisation efforts, always preach and practice peace, unity, tolerance, respect for divergent views, and acceptance of results, resorting to peaceful resolution of complaints in accordance with the law,” Byabakama added.

In conclusion, the Chairperson stated that the update exercise is the responsibility of all stakeholders. Therefore, all stakeholders should take a keen interest in the update processes and commit to ensuring an enabling environment that enhances the participation of all citizens.

The Chairman of the Kampala City Traders Association, Mr Thadeus Naggenda, has applauded the Commission for including the business community in the preparations and promised, on behalf of the business community, to work with the Commission for a successful exercise.