The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that the ongoing General Update of the National Voters Register will conclude on February 10, 2025.
The exercise, which began on January 20, is aimed at registering eligible Ugandan citizens aged 18 and above who are not yet on the voters’ roll. It also allows registered voters to transfer polling locations or correct details on the register.
The EC emphasized the importance of the exercise, noting that only registered voters can participate in elections, contest positions, or support candidates.
Update centers are operating daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, including weekends. Citizens can also verify their details online at https://ec.or.ug/register.
Special registers for youth, persons with disabilities, and older persons are also being compiled during this period. Students who registered with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) while in school and have since turned 18 can update their details and assign polling stations within their parish of residence.
The EC acknowledged challenges such as limited registration kits and technical malfunctions, as only 2,703 kits were deployed instead of the 5,000 needed.
Officials are rotating kits across sub-counties and addressing technical issues promptly. Concerns about low turnout were also addressed, with the EC noting that many voters are verifying their details online, reducing the need for physical visits.
In related developments, the EC confirmed preparations for by-elections in Kawempe Division North following the death of MP Hon. Ssegirinya Muhammad. The by-elections, which will also fill a local council vacancy, are set to proceed with a stakeholders’ meeting on January 27, 2025.
The EC urged all eligible citizens to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure their participation in the democratic process.