KAMPALA – The decision to deploy Biometric Voter Verification Kits in Uganda’s January 2026 elections is grounded in the legal mandate of the Electoral Commission, officials say.
The EC derives its authority from the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and the Electoral Commission Act, which give it powers to determine procedures for voter registration, verification, and voting.
In its roadmap for the 2026 elections, the Commission announced that BVVK would be used to match a voter’s biometrics with the National Voters’ Register with the purpose of reducing impersonation and multiple voting.
Legal experts note that clear procedures and public guidelines are essential for public trust. The Commission says any regulations governing the use of the machines will be issued in accordance with its mandate and made public before polling day.
According to Ofwono Ppondo P’Odel, the former Government of Uganda spokesperson turned politician, credible elections depend on systems that are harder to manipulate and easier to audit.
As a norm, the EC has regularly committed itself to publishing all electoral process guidelines in advance so voters and stakeholders can review them before polling day.
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