EC Commences Display of Voters Register Ahead of 2026 Polls

As Uganda gears up for the 2025/2026 general elections, the Electoral Commission (EC) has officially commenced the display of the national voters register, a critical step in the country’s electoral process.

The exercise, which begins on April, 25 will run until May, 15, 2025, in line with Section 26 of the Electoral Commission Act (Cap 176).

"This exercise is intended to give eligible voters the opportunity to verify the accuracy of their personal information, confirm their photographs, and report any irregularities such as duplicate entries, deceased persons, or individuals registered in the wrong parish," EC said.

The commission emphasizes that the display of the register is vital in ensuring the credibility of the voters' roll and ultimately, the election.

During this period, voters are urged to actively participate by confirming their details and raising objections where necessary.

Among the key activities during the display period is the publication of a list of citizens of voting age who were registered and verified by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), but who did not indicate their preferred polling stations.

These individuals are advised to check the lists at their parish or ward headquarters.

"If their names are missing from the voters register, they should consult the list of unassigned voters and follow the necessary procedures to choose a polling station through the EC web portal at www.ec.or.ug/register," said the EC chairperson Simon Byabakama during a press conference at the EC headquarters in Kampala.

For Special Interest Groups (SIGs) — including youth, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and older persons — the display of respective voters' registers will be held from April, 25 to May, 8, 2025 at village-level display centres.

Eligible youth must be aged 18 and above but below 30 years as of the registration cut-off date (February, 17, 2025). Older persons must be 60 years or older, while PWDs can verify that their disability status has been correctly recorded.

After the main display, a supplementary display will be conducted from May 16 to 26, 2025. During this period, lists of persons recommended for deletion or inclusion will be made public to allow for objections.

These matters will be addressed by Parish/Ward Tribunals—local panels appointed by area magistrates, comprising community elders and members nominated in consultation with political parties.

No New Registrations or Transfers Allowed

The EC has clarified that no fresh applications for voter registration or polling station transfers will be accepted during this display period.

"This exercise is not meant to present an opportunity for new registration. That exercise ended," said justice Byabakama.

"Those missed out on the registration will not be allowed in this exercise," he added.

Individuals who have changed personal details such as name or date of birth must notify the Commission in writing and provide supporting documents for the corrections to be effected.

Display officers will be present at all polling stations daily, including weekends, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. This presence is especially crucial for voters affected by polling station reorganization exercises.

The commission reiterated that the success of the exercise hinges on public vigilance.

All political parties, civil society organizations, and citizens are encouraged to observe the process and report any anomalies.

The EC also promises impartiality in handling the exercise and says agents of political parties are welcome to witness the ongoing verification process.

The exercise runs between April, 25 to May, 8, 2025 for special interest groups including youths, older persons and Persons With Disability.