The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially begun the update of the National Voters Register in preparation for the 2025-2026 General Elections. The update exercise, which started on January 20, 2025, will run until February 10, 2025. It is designed to ensure that all eligible Ugandan citizens are registered to vote and to provide a chance for voters to verify and update their information.
The update exercise will take place at update stations across Uganda’s 10,717 parishes and wards. The stations will be open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, including weekends, offering ample time for citizens to complete the process.
Julius Mucunguzi, the EC spokesperson, explained that the update aims to allow citizens who have not yet registered to become voters and those wishing to transfer to new polling locations to do so. Mucunguzi emphasized that the exercise is crucial for generating a credible National Voters Register, which will serve as the foundation for free and fair elections.
“Only registered voters are eligible to participate in elections, whether as voters, candidates, or election agents. This process is critical for upholding the constitutional right to vote, granted under Article 59 of the Constitution,” Mucunguzi stated.
The update exercise will also allow students who have reached the age of 18 to register, ensuring that the electoral process includes younger, newly eligible voters. The cutoff date for registration is February 10, 2025, after which no applications for registration or transfer will be accepted.
