Justice Simon Byabakama, the Chairperson of Electoral Commission, has said that citizens who turn 18 after February 10, 2025, will not be eligible to vote in the 2026 general elections. The decision stems from the Commission’s need to finalise the National Voters’ Register and determine the number of ballot papers to print in advance of the elections.
Speaking before the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee last week, Byabakama said the importance of a clear voter registration cutoff date. He explained that only Ugandans who turn 18 by February 10, 2025, and register during the voter update exercise will be included in the voters’ register. The exercise is scheduled to run from January 20 to February 10, 2025.
“There are Ugandans who turn 18 every day. During the update exercise, those who are 18 or older by February 10, 2025, will have the opportunity to register as voters. However, for those turning 18 after this cutoff, we will not be able to include them in the National Voters’ Register,” Byabakama stated. He added that the deadline is crucial for finalizing preparations ahead of the general elections.
This announcement sparked a heated exchange with Abdu Katuntu, the Member of Parliament for Bugweri County. Katuntu criticized the decision, arguing that it would disenfranchise thousands of Ugandans who turn 18 between February 10, 2025, and February 9, 2026—the expected polling period.
“The Constitution guarantees voting rights for anyone aged 18 and above. Yet, from the Electoral Commission’s interpretation, these individuals will not be allowed to vote. This one-year exclusion is too long,” Katuntu argued.
The Electoral Commission justified the February 10 cutoff, citing the need to complete the register in time for the nomination of parliamentary candidates in September 2025. Additionally, Byabakama explained that early preparation would ensure accurate ballot paper printing and a smooth election process.
The general elections are slated to take place between January 12 and February 9, 2026. During the registration exercise, the Commission aims to capture new voters who have turned 18 and others who have never registered. Byabakama urged all eligible Ugandans to register promptly, emphasizing that the cutoff date is non-negotiable.
