The Electoral Commission (EC) has resolved long-standing challenges identified in the initial days of the ongoing voter registration update exercise.
The challenges, which included the inadequacy of registration kits, had become a source of frustration to the staff, who had started losing confidence in the exercise.
During a press conference held at the Commission’s headquarters in Kampala on January 24, 2025, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama highlighted the key issues and outlined measures being taken to resolve them.
Justice Byabakama acknowledged the inadequacy of registration kits, noting that only 2,703 kits—provided by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA)—have been deployed for the exercise, against a required 5,000.
“The total number of kits deployed for this exercise is 2,703. Our need was 5,000 kits,” he said. “Despite the shortfall, we have distributed the available kits strategically, prioritizing sub-counties and allocating additional kits to Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono districts.”
He also addressed concerns over faulty equipment, noting that the machines in use were first procured for the 2014/2015 mass registration exercise.
“This explains the cases of breakdowns reported in some stations,” Byabakama explained. “However, we have technical teams on standby to respond to any malfunctions as and when they arise,” he said.
Concerns were also raised about the requirement for first-time applicants to obtain recommendations from Gombolola and District Internal Security Officers (GISOs and DISOs) to verify citizenship.
Byabakama clarified that the measure was necessary for ensuring only verified citizens are included in the Voters Register.
On reports of low turnout, Byabakama emphasized that the update exercise targets only new and eligible voters.
“This is not a mass registration exercise,” he stated. “The majority of the Ugandan voting population is already on the register. We are targeting new and eligible voters, and the statistics indicate that the exercise is on course to meet its objectives.”
He assured the public of the Commission’s commitment to completing the exercise within the allocated timeframe and its readiness to address emerging issues and ensure a smooth voter registration update process.
On Monday, January 20th, 2025, the Electoral Commission commenced the exercise of the General Update of the National Voters Register. This important exercise is scheduled to conclude on February 10, 2025.
