Uganda Today Edition: Electoral Commission Extends National Voters Register Update by Seven Days
Kampala, Uganda – February 10, 2025 – The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced a seven-day extension for the General Update Exercise of the National Voters Register, following appeals from key stakeholders and an assessment of field observations. The update, which began on January 20, 2025, was initially scheduled to conclude on February 10, 2025, but will now continue until February 17, 2025.
According to Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, the extension aims to provide eligible Ugandan citizens who have not yet registered an opportunity to do so. The exercise, which is being conducted in compliance with Article 61(1)(e) of the Constitution and Section 20 of the Electoral Commission Act (Cap 176), is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the National Voters Register ahead of the 2025/2026 General Elections.
The primary objectives of the update include enabling new voters aged 18 and above to register, facilitating transfers for voters changing their polling stations, and allowing registered voters to verify their details. Special attention has been given to students registered by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) who have since attained voting age and need to be assigned polling stations within their parishes of residence or origin.
During the initial 21 days of the exercise, a significant number of Ugandans participated, with 361,432 new voters added to the National Voters Register and 292,021 transfer applications processed. As of today, the total number of registered voters stands at 19,925,574, an increase from the 18,103,603 registered in the 2020/2021 General Elections.
However, the update process has encountered several challenges, including the limited number of registration kits from NIRA and frequent breakdowns of the available equipment due to old age. This has slowed the pace of voter registration and updates, leading to long queues at update centers across the country.
Despite these setbacks, the Electoral Commission remains committed to ensuring that all eligible citizens have an opportunity to participate in the upcoming elections. During the extension period, update centers will remain open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, including weekends. The Commission urges all eligible voters who have not yet registered or who need to transfer their voting locations to take advantage of this extended period.
The EC also emphasizes that this extension is not a fresh registration exercise but an opportunity for eligible Ugandans to update their details. Registered voters wishing to transfer polling stations must provide proof of residence or origin within their new voting location.
Voters can check their registration status both at update centers and online via the EC website (https://ec.or.ug/register). The Commission will continue to provide updates on voter statistics at key milestones of the electoral roadmap, including the forthcoming Display Exercise of the National Voters Register, scheduled for April-May 2025.
The Electoral Commission encourages all Ugandans to utilize this opportunity to ensure they are duly registered and eligible to participate in the 2025/2026 General Elections.
Purpose of the Update Exercise
- Enabling new voter registration
- Facilitating transfer requests
- Verifying voter details
Challenges Faced During the Exercise
- Limited registration kits from NIRA
- Equipment breakdowns causing delays
Extension of the Exercise for Seven More Days
- New deadline: February 17, 2025
- Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, including weekends
Current Voter Statistics
- 361,432 new voters added
- 292,021 transfer applications processed
- National Voters Register now at 19,925,574 voters
Electoral Commission Appeals to Ugandans
- Encourages eligible citizens to take advantage of the extension
- Urges stakeholders to support a smooth electoral process
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