The Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda has officially ended the nationwide display of the National Voters’ Register. This exercise began on April 25, 2025, and concluded on May 15, 2025, at most polling stations around the country. However, in 620 polling stations where technical problems occurred during the preparation of the registers, the display will continue until May 20, 2025.
Justice Simon Byabakama, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, spoke about why this exercise is so important. He said it helps ensure that the voters’ register is correct and fair. According to him, a clean and accurate register is necessary to have free and fair elections. He also encouraged all eligible Ugandans, especially those who have recently turned 18, to take part in the process.
Before this main display, from April 25 to May 8, 2025, the Electoral Commission also held a special display of the Voters’ Register for Special Interest Groups (SIGs). These groups include young people, people with disabilities, and the elderly. This part of the exercise took place at the village level.
During the display period, Ugandans were asked to carefully look through the voters’ lists and report any mistakes. For example, people could report names of those who had died, were under 18, came from a different parish, or appeared more than once on the list. Any such concerns were reported to the Display Officer, who was in charge at each polling station.
Now that the main display has ended, the Electoral Commission will move on to the next step. From May 16 to May 26, 2025, the Commission will put up lists of people who have been suggested for removal or addition to the register. These suggestions come from what was reported during the display. The Parish or Ward Tribunal, a local group chosen by a Magistrate, will review these suggestions. They will make final decisions about who should be removed, added, or have their information corrected.
Justice Byabakama reminded everyone that this process needs teamwork. He asked all Ugandans to follow the rules and work together to make the process successful. He also called on political parties, civil society groups, and the general public to stay involved and help ensure the register is accurate and trustworthy.
Once the Tribunal finishes its work, the final National Voters’ Register will be prepared. This final list will be used in the upcoming elections for the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Committees, which are scheduled for June 2025. These elections are part of the first stage of Uganda’s General Elections Roadmap.
