The Uganda Electoral Commission (EC) has entered a critical phase of preparations for the 2026 General Elections Uganda with the update, display, and verification of the National Voters Register, a process that directly determines who will vote in the upcoming polls. The voter registration and verification exercise is one of the earliest and most important milestones outlined in the Uganda Electoral Commission 2026 roadmap, forming the foundation of electoral credibility.
According to the EC, the National Voters Register must be:
- Accurate
- Free from duplication
- Inclusive of eligible Ugandans
- Compliant with the Constitution and electoral laws
Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, has repeatedly emphasized that credible elections begin with a credible voters register. The update process targets new voters who have turned 18 years, citizens who need to change polling locations, removal of deceased voters and correction of voter details
Under the Uganda election voter registration program, the EC conducted and scheduled several activities, including:
- Update of the National Voters Register at parish and ward level
- Display of the register for public verification
- Handling of complaints and corrections
- Compilation of the final register for polling day
These activities are legally required under the Electoral Commission Act and are intended to allow citizens to confirm their eligibility before nominations and campaigns begin.
The display exercise allows voters to Confirm their names and details, Verify polling station allocation, Report errors or omissions, Object to ineligible names. The EC has urged voters to personally verify their details instead of relying on third parties, warning that failure to do so could result in disenfranchisement on polling day.
As part of voter facilitation, the EC issues Voter Location Slips Uganda, which help voters identify their exact polling stations. While the slip is not mandatory for voting, it reduces confusion on polling day, speeds up voter identification and helps first-time voters locate polling centers easily. The Commission has clarified that possession of a valid voter record in the register remains the primary requirement for voting.
In previous election cycles, including 2021, voter register disputes featured prominently in election petitions and observer reports. Complaints included Missing names, Wrong polling stations and Late corrections
By prioritizing early voter register updates ahead of the 2026 General Elections Uganda, the EC aims to reduce post-election disputes and improve public trust.
The Electoral Commission has appealed to all eligible Ugandans to participate actively in registration exercises, verify their voter details during display periods and avoid misinformation regarding voter eligibility. The EC maintains that voter participation at this stage is as important as voting itself.
Following the completion of voter registration and verification, the final National Voters Register will be compiled, and candidate nominations will commence. Later campaign activities will follow under regulated timelines. The EC says no voter-related changes will be entertained once the register is finalized, except as provided by law.
(Uganda Election Voter Registration)
Read More Via: mrupdates.com
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