As Uganda gears up for the 2025–2026 General Elections, one of the most crucial phases in the electoral process is already underway—the display of the National Voters Register. This exercise, which began on April 25 and will run until May 15, 2025, is mandated under Section 26 of the Electoral Commission Act (Cap 176). It is being conducted at every polling station across the country, operating daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including weekends.
The display of the Voters Register is far more than a routine formality—it is a cornerstone of ensuring electoral integrity and citizen participation. During this period, Ugandans have the opportunity to verify their information on the Register. This includes checking the accuracy of personal details and ensuring that photographs match the correct voter profiles. For many, this may be the only opportunity to confirm their eligibility to vote or to correct errors that could otherwise disenfranchise them on polling day.
This exercise also plays a vital role in cleaning up the voters’ list. Voters are encouraged to raise objections about any incorrect entries. This includes reporting individuals who have passed away, are underage, are not residents or natives of the parish they’re registered in, or whose names appear more than once on the register. Such vigilance from the public helps the Electoral Commission maintain a credible and updated voters’ list.
Importantly, this is also the time for individuals who previously applied for registration but find their names missing from the Register to present their case for inclusion. This ensures that no eligible voter is left behind due to administrative oversight.
Once the main display period concludes on May 15, an additional phase will follow from May 16 to 26. During this time, lists of individuals recommended for removal from the Register will be displayed at each respective Parish or Ward Headquarters. This supplementary display serves as a safeguard, giving those affected the chance to appeal to the Parish or Ward Tribunal if they believe they have been wrongly flagged for deletion. The Tribunal will then make the final decision regarding inclusion, deletion, or correction based on public feedback and supporting evidence.
The Electoral Commission emphasizes that this display is not an opportunity for new voter registration or transfer of polling stations; those processes are conducted separately and outside the display timeline. However, what makes this exercise particularly significant is that it ultimately determines who will be allowed to vote. If your name is missing or your information is incorrect, your right to cast a ballot could be jeopardized.
To make this process accessible and transparent, trained Display Officers are stationed at each polling station for the duration of the exercise. Their presence ensures that voters receive assistance and that even those affected by the re-organization of polling stations can identify their correct voting locations. Additionally, the process is open to scrutiny by political party agents and members of the public to reinforce impartiality and public trust.
In sum, the display of the National Voters Register is a vital step in safeguarding Uganda’s democratic process. It empowers citizens to protect their right to vote, strengthens the accuracy of the electoral roll, and reinforces accountability in election management. Every eligible voter is urged to take part in this exercise—not only as a civic duty but as a way to secure their voice in the country’s future.
