EC chairperson urges Ugandans to engage in voters register display

26 April 2025, 10:00 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama, has provided an update on the commencement of the nationwide display of the national voters’ register and registers for Special Interest Groups (SIGs), along with other matters related to the implementation of the Commission’s roadmap for 2025–2026.

In preparation for the 2025–2026 general elections, and in accordance with Section 26 of the Electoral Commission Act (CAP 176), the Electoral Commission has designated the period from 25th April to 15th May 2025 for the national display of the voters’ register. “The display shall take place from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM at each of the appointed polling stations across Uganda,” Justice Byabakama said.

He noted that, although the process has commenced, there are districts where it will begin later due to certain challenges. “There are areas where the exercise has been delayed due to technical glitches encountered during the production of the voters’ registers. These areas include: Arua City with two polling stations, Buikwe District with one, Buvuma with one, Fort Portal with three, Kampala District with 18, Kasanda with two, Kikuube District with 15, Kiryandongo with 78, Kitagwenda with one, Masaka City with two, Mbarara City with 48, Mityana District with 370, Mukono District with 32, Mpigi District with 46, and Wakiso District with 13 polling stations — totalling 620 polling stations,” he stated.

According to the Electoral Commission, there are 38,315 polling stations across the country, meaning that 98.4% of them are already covered. “The Commission wishes to assure voters and all stakeholders in the affected areas that they too will be accorded the full 21 days for the display of the register once the exercise commences. The Commission apologises for any inconvenience caused to stakeholders; it is not intentional,” Justice Byabakama said.

The purpose of the display is to enable voters to verify the accuracy of their details on the voters’ register, ensure their photographs are correctly matched to their particulars, raise objections regarding the inclusion or exclusion of names, and report to the display officer any deceased persons, individuals under the age of 18, persons residing outside the parish, or cases of multiple registrations.

Additionally, the Commission has provided an online platform for voters to confirm or select their polling stations where none appears against their parish. Voters will follow a step-by-step process to specify the district, constituency, sub-county, and parish/ward to assign a polling station to their record.

“The Commission therefore calls on all stakeholders in the electoral process to participate in this exercise. Voters are particularly urged to visit their respective polling stations during this period and verify the correctness of their particulars on the register,” Byabakama said.

Regarding allegations about the division of certain districts, the Chairperson stated that the Commission has not received any formal communication on the matter.