Why EC rescheduled national voters register update for 2026 general elections

The Electoral Commission (EC) has rescheduled the general update of the National Voters Register to ensure better preparation for the upcoming 2026 general elections.

Initially slated to run from January 3 to January 24, 2025, the exercise will now take place from January 20 to February 10, 2025.

This adjustment was announced in a statement issued on December 24 by Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.

He cited the need for optimal readiness in line with the EC’s constitutional mandate under Article 61 (1)(e) to compile, maintain, and revise the voters register.

“In preparation for the 2025/2026 General Elections, the Electoral Commission released a roadmap wherein the update of the National Voters Register was scheduled to commence on January 3, 2025. However, this exercise has been rescheduled and will now commence on January 20, 2025, and conclude on February 10, 2025,” Byabakama explained.

The update aims to enable Ugandan citizens aged 18 years and above who are not yet registered voters to enroll and to allow registered voters to transfer to new voting locations. It also provides an opportunity for voters to verify and correct their details on the register.

The exercise will run daily, including weekends, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at designated update stations nationwide.

“The Commission urges students of 18 years and above to take advantage and register or update their particulars during this exercise before they return to school,” Byabakama said.

The EC emphasized the importance of stakeholder participation in this critical phase of the electoral process and pledged to issue comprehensive guidelines to ensure transparency and inclusivity.

The update exercise is a key component of the Electoral Commission’s roadmap for delivering credible elections and fostering public confidence in Uganda’s electoral system.