Moroto Voters' Register Display Begins with Empty Polling Stations

The display of the national voters' register experienced a slow start in Moroto Municipality on the first day, as voter turnout remained alarmingly low.

At several polling stations, including the Police Boma Ground, there was not a single person present to check their names by 4 PM, leaving update agents without work for most of the day.

The exercise, which began on April 25 and will continue until May 15, 2025, is an essential part of Uganda’s electoral process, allowing registered voters to confirm or update their details in preparation for the 2026 elections.

Despite the disappointing start, Enid Naddim an Update Officer remains hopeful that the situation will improve as the display continues.

“We are hopeful that people will come tomorrow,” said Naddim. “Whether they come or not, we will continue working to ensure everything runs smoothly.”

The display process is set to run for 21 days, with a separate window for Special Interest Groups (SIGs) from April 25 to May 8, 2025.

In Moroto Municipality’s North Division, the exercise is taking place across seven key polling stations, though the turnout has been dismally low across the board.

These stations include RTC Boma Ground, Police Boma Ground, Bazaar, Senior Quarters, Moroto High School, Moroto Forest, and Moroto Hospital. Among these, RTC Boma Ground holds the highest number of registered voters with 977 people expected to verify their details. Police Boma Ground follows with 264 voters, while Senior Quarters is expected to serve 674 voters.

However, with polling stations nearly empty, many residents seem to be unaware or disinterested in the importance of the exercise. Despite the low attendance on the first day, Moroto District Election Administrator, Rose Lilly Loumo Lokuth, remains optimistic.

“This is just the first day,” she said. “We are confident that people will come out and the exercise will proceed. It's important that everyone verifies their registration to avoid any complications on election day.”

The exercise is crucial, especially in a district like Moroto, where the electorates are dispersed and participation in electoral processes is sometimes limited.

The total population of Moroto Municipality stands at approximately 77,400, with a registered voter base of 35,000 individuals.

Ensuring that voters are accurately listed on the register is key to maintaining the integrity of the upcoming elections.

The exercise, which began on April 25 and will continue until May 15, 2025.