EC sets Jan 20 – Feb 10 for General Update of Uganda’s National Voters’ Register

Kampala, Uganda – The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced the General Update of the National Voters’ Register, scheduled to take place from Monday, 20th January 2025, to Monday, 10th February 2025, in preparation for the 2025-2026 General Elections.

This exercise will be conducted at designated update stations across all parishes in Uganda, operating daily, including weekends, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The update is in line with Article 61(1)(e) of the Constitution of Uganda and Section 20 of the Electoral Commission Act (Cap 176). It is a critical step to ensure that eligible voters are registered and existing voters’ information is up-to-date.

Activities during the Update Exercise

The EC has outlined several activities for this exercise:

1. Registration of New Voters

Ugandan citizens aged 18 years and above, who are not yet registered, can register in person at the update stations.

Registrants will provide personal details, have their photographs taken, and fingerprints captured.

Already registered voters do not need to register again.

2. Transfer of Voting Location

Registered voters who wish to change their voting location can apply during the exercise.

Applicants must prove residency or origin in the new voting location and provide details of their previous voting station.

3. Confirmation and Correction of Registration Details

Voters can verify and confirm their registration details at update stations or online at https://ec.or.ug/register.

Corrections are limited to errors such as spelling mistakes, gender mismatches, and photograph issues. Changes to age/date of birth or the addition of new names will not be accommodated.

4. Update of Learners’ Information

Learners registered by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) who have turned 18 years old can update their details and select polling stations within their parish of residence or origin.

Learners need to present their National Identification Number (NIN) at the update centres.

5. Update of Special Interest Group Registers

The EC will also update the following registers: National Youths Voters’ Register for Youth Councils and Committees, National PWDs Voters’ Register for Persons with Disabilities Councils and Committees and National Older Persons Voters’ Register for Older Persons Councils and Committees.

Key Deadline

The cut-off date for voter registration and application for transfer is Monday, 10th February 2025. After this date, no new registrations or transfers will be processed.

The Electoral Commission has emphasised the importance of this exercise in ensuring a smooth electoral process. Citizens and stakeholders are urged to actively participate and adhere to the issued guidelines.