By ResearchFinds News Team
Kampala, Uganda: At a specially convened news conference on Monday this week, Electoral Commission chairman Justice Simon Byabakama announced that the number of duly enrolled and registered voters in Uganda has grown to an impressive 19,925,574, up from 18,103,603 during the 2021 general elections.
This significant increase includes 361,432 newly registered adults added to the voters’ register during the recent 20-day update exercise, which concluded on February 10th.
Byabakama emphasized that this enlarged voter base comprises adult citizens who had not previously registered, as well as those continuously enrolled by the Electoral Commission (EC) for by-elections and other local positions. Additionally, individuals who obtained national IDs from the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and subsequently registered as voters contributed to this growth.
To accommodate those who missed the initial registration period, Byabakama announced a 7-day extension for the national voters register update exercise, running until February 17th.
During this period, EC staff at over 12,000 parishes and wards will work from 8 am to 6 pm, including weekends. This extension, driven by public enthusiasm, addresses challenges such as the limited availability of update kits, which the government has directed the EC to share with NIRA.
Notably, Byabakama highlighted a special arrangement for Senior 5 and Senior 6 students who have recently turned 18 and wish to register as first-time voters. Despite their return to school, the EC plans to collaborate with headteachers to ensure these students can benefit from the extension. Returning Officers will coordinate with schools to facilitate the enrollment and polling station allocation for these young voters.
The announcement of 20 million registered voters is a significant milestone for Uganda, showcasing a growing democratic engagement. This achievement builds on the momentum from the 2021 general elections, which saw a voter turnout of 57.22%, according to the Uganda Electoral Commission. As the country prepares for the 2026 elections, efforts to ensure comprehensive voter registration and participation are crucial for a robust democratic process.
Byabakama also acknowledged the essential role of political parties, civil society organizations, and the media in mobilizing citizens and disseminating information about the update exercise. The extension aims to capture all eligible voters, including the enthusiastic first-time voters from secondary schools, ensuring their voices are heard in the upcoming elections.
This comprehensive approach to voter registration underscores Uganda’s commitment to democratic participation and the integrity of its electoral process. As the nation gears up for the 2026 elections, the EC’s initiatives to facilitate voter registration and address logistical challenges are pivotal in ensuring an inclusive and fair electoral process.
For more details about the ongoing exercise, visit: https://www.ec.or.ug/
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