EC using 2014 census data to update voter register for 2026 elections

The Electoral Commission (EC) is relying on 2014 National Census data to update the national voters’ register ahead of the 2026 general elections.

EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama told the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs that the 2024 census data is not yet suitable for use in the voter register update.

“Technically and officially, the data that we have is of 2014. It is, therefore, on that basis that we have proceeded to conduct the demarcations of local governments,” Byabakama said.

Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Director of Methodology and Statistical Coordination, Jame Muwonge, explained that while some 2024 data is available at the district level, certain parishes and sub-counties are missing due to ongoing boundary disputes.

“We are working with the Ministry of Local Government to ensure guidance, but within five months, this information will be available,” he said.

The Committee met with EC, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), and UBOS on January 30, 2025, following Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa’s directive to scrutinize a statement by Deputy Attorney General Hon. Jackson Kafuuzi on the voter register update.

Hon. Mathias Mpuuga (NUP, Nyendo-Mukungwe Division) questioned the reliability of using 2014 census data 12 years later.

“That, for me, is very informative of issues to come. May we know at what stage the Electoral Commission will make use of the recent census data?” he asked.

MPs also raised concerns over outdated equipment used in the voter register update, warning that it could affect the credibility of the final data.

NIRA Executive Director Rosemary Kisembo acknowledged that the equipment, procured in 2014, is obsolete.

“This equipment is 11 years old; it is at the end of life and end of support. Its performance is sub-optimal due to degradation over time,” she said.

West Budama North East MP Hon. Fox Odoi-Oywelowo urged Parliament to allocate sufficient funds to ensure a credible electoral process.

“We have let down the country. The buck stops with us. It is our responsibility to fund the EC. At what point did we drive them into this desperate situation?” he said.

Busiro County East MP Hon. Medard Sseggona called for an extension of the voter register update deadline, citing challenges faced during the process.

“The EC Chairperson concedes that they lost some days due to challenges. Yet, they still insist they will not extend the deadline,” he said.

Byabakama, however, said it was too early to decide on an extension.

“We still have 11 days to conclude the exercise and are still analyzing the situation. It is premature to make a pronouncement on the deadline. We will inform the country if the need arises,” he said.

The voter register update began on January 20, 2025, and is expected to end on February 10, 2025.