What UgandanThe Electoral Commission of Uganda (EC) has issued official guidance outlining what voters are required to do on polling day, as the country prepares for the 2026 General Elections.
The Commission says the step-by-step voting process is designed to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections, while safeguarding the integrity of the National Voters Register and the secrecy of the ballot.
According to the EC, every registered voter must cast their vote only at the polling station where they are registered, and must follow the procedures set out by election officials on the day of voting.
On polling day, voters are required to report to the specific polling station where they are registered. The Electoral Commission advises voters to confirm their polling location in advance to avoid delays or confusion.
Polling stations will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and voters are encouraged to arrive early to ensure they complete the process within the designated time.
Upon arrival, voters must present either a National Identification Card or a Voter Location Slip to election officials. In cases where a voter does not have either document, the Presiding Officer will assist in confirming the voter’s details using the National Voters Register.
Once identification is confirmed, the voter’s identity will be verified using the Biometric Voter Verification (BVV) machine. This process involves scanning the voter’s fingerprints or facial features, ensuring that only eligible and registered voters are allowed to vote.
The Electoral Commission emphasizes that biometric verification is a critical safeguard against impersonation and multiple voting.
After successful biometric verification, the Presiding Officer scans the ballot papers and issues them to the voter. Each voter receives ballot papers corresponding to the elective positions they are eligible to vote for.
The EC notes that ballot issuance is strictly controlled and linked to biometric verification to maintain accountability and transparency throughout the voting process.
How to Mark and Cast the Vote
Voters are then required to proceed to the voting basin, where they privately mark their preferred candidate for each elective position. The Electoral Commission allows voters to mark their choice using either a tick or a thumbprint.
Once marked, the ballot paper must be folded as directed and inserted into the appropriate ballot box for that specific elective position. This process ensures ballot secrecy and orderly voting.
After casting their ballots, voters will have a finger marked by a Polling Assistant to indicate that they have voted. This step is intended to prevent multiple voting and uphold the credibility of the election.
The Electoral Commission reminds voters that the entire process is overseen by trained polling officials to ensure compliance with electoral laws and procedures.
The Electoral Commission urges all registered voters to arrive in time, follow instructions from polling officials, and peacefully exercise their constitutional right to choose their leaders.
“This message is from the Electoral Commission,” the notice states, reaffirming the Commission’s role in guiding voters and ensuring orderly elections.
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