By Jumah Kakomo
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has called on the government to establish a continuous update process for the National Voter’s Register to ensure that eligible voters, particularly young people, can easily register throughout the year.
The call comes after the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) announced a seven-day extension for the current voter registration period, now set to close on February 17, 2025. Originally scheduled for February 10, 2025, the extension follows feedback from various stakeholders, including political leaders and civil society groups, urging more time to ensure that as many Ugandans as possible can register before the 2026 general elections.
The update exercise, which began on January 20, 2025, aims to register new voters, accommodate voter transfer requests, and verify existing voter details. IEC Chairman Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi revealed that 361,432 new voters had registered, and 292,021 transfer applications were processed as of February 10, 2025. The total number of registered voters now stands at 19,925,574, up from 18,103,603 in the 2020/2021 general elections. However, Byabakama acknowledged challenges such as outdated registration kits and high turnout, which had slowed the process.
UPC Spokesperson Arach Oyat Sharon argued that a continuous registration system would allow young Ugandans, particularly those turning 18, to register at any time without waiting for a specific registration period. She emphasized that such a system would help prevent the disenfranchisement of eligible voters, especially in rural areas or among those living abroad who may not be able to meet the current deadlines.
Echoing these concerns, UPC’s Head of Media and Communications Faizo Muzeeyi expressed that the tight registration deadlines risk excluding some voters. He stressed that the extension is a step in the right direction to safeguard the electoral process’s integrity and ensure that all eligible citizens have an opportunity to vote.
The UPC has repeatedly encouraged Ugandans to participate in the current voter registration process, underscoring the importance of updating the register to ensure that every eligible voter is represented in the upcoming general elections.
