The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially kicked off the general update of the National Voters Register, a crucial step in preparation for the upcoming 2026 General Elections.
Julius Mucunguzi, EC Head of Public Relations, at a media briefing at the Electoral Commission headquarters on January 20, 2025, announced that the exercise, running until February 10, 2025, will provide eligible citizens across Uganda with the opportunity to register or update their voter information at designated stations.
Mucunguzi emphasized that this initiative primarily aims to facilitate registration for Ugandans aged 18 and above yet to be registered as voters.
“This exercise will also enable registered voters wishing to transfer to new voting locations to apply for such transfers,” Mucunguzi stated.
He clarified that individuals already registered do not need to re-register but instead verify and confirm their details on the Voters Register at their designated voting locations.
The update will be conducted at various stations across all 10,717 parishes and wards in Uganda from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, including weekends.
Mucunguzi also highlighted that students who have recently turned 18 and were registered by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) can present their National Identification Number (NIN) for updating and assignment of polling stations within their residence or origin.
However, Justice Simon Byabakama, EC Chairperson, while appearing before the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee last week during the consideration of the Commission’s 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper, revealed that only Ugandans who would have turned 18 by that time will make it to the Voters Register.
According to him, the Commission needs ample time to prepare the National Voters’ Register & determine the number of ballot papers to print ahead of the 2026 general elections.
He emphasized that this initiative primarily aims to facilitate registration for Ugandans aged 18 and above who have not yet registered as voters.
“This exercise will also enable registered voters wishing to transfer to new voting locations to apply for such transfers,” Byabakama stated.
Additionally, the EC will compile and update several specialized Voters’ Registers during this period: the National Youth Voters’ Register for the election of Youth Councils and Committees, the National PWDs (Persons with Disabilities) Voters’ Register for the election of PWD Councils and Committees, and the National Older Persons Voters’ Register for the election of Older Persons Councils and Committees.
Byabakama announced that February 10, 2025, will be the cut-off date for voter registration in Uganda. After this date, applications for registration and transfers from one polling station to another will no longer be accepted.
As the nation gears up for the elections, the EC encourages all eligible citizens to take action and ensure their participation in shaping Uganda’s democratic future.
