The Electoral Commission (EC) today conducted a specialized training session for Members of Parliament at the Parliament of Uganda, focusing on the operation and integrity of Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs) ahead of the January 15, 2026, General Elections.
Organized in response to concerns raised by legislators about the new voter technology, the one-day workshop guided MPs through a step-by-step mock voting exercise using the BVVK systems. The session aimed to clarify how voter verification will function at polling stations and the safeguards in place to prevent malpractices like multiple voting.
EC Director of Technical Services Solomon Muhumuza explained to lawmakers that the upgraded systems carry biometric data matched to the official voters’ register, ensuring that each voter can only be verified once before receiving ballots. He reaffirmed that the kits would verify both fingerprints and facial data, with alternative procedures available if one method fails.
During the exercise, MPs raised questions about fail-safe procedures should kits malfunction, public sensitization plans, and how the technology will cope with heavy voter turnout. Some members expressed concern about the limited time remaining before the polls and urged enhanced outreach to rural communities.
The training session was part of broader EC efforts to equip not only MPs but also district-level trainers and polling agents with the skills needed to manage the new technology effectively. EC officials confirmed that additional train-the-trainer sessions and demonstrations for political parties and observer groups are planned in the coming weeks.
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Read Via: mrupdates.com
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