The Electoral Commission(EC)has officially announced a seven-day extension for the General Update of the National Voters Register, extending the deadline from Monday, February 10, 2025, to Monday, February 17, 2025.
This extension comes in response to appeals from key stakeholders and an assessment of the progress made since the exercise began on January 20, 2025.
The update exercise, which aims to register eligible Ugandan citizens, facilitate voter transfers, and correct voter details, is being carried out in compliance with Article 61 (1)(e) of the Constitution and Section 20 of the Electoral Commission Act. It also provides an opportunity for students previously registered by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to update their details and assign polling stations.
Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, commended the public’s enthusiasm and support for the update process.
“Since the commencement of the Update Exercise on 20th January, 2025, we have seen great involvement from the Ugandan people and their support in ensuring a smooth process,” he said.
He however acknowledged that some challenges have slowed the pace, such as the limited number of registration kits from NIRA and occasional breakdowns.
Despite these challenges, significant progress has been made as 361,432 new voters have been added to the National Voters Register, and 292,021 voters have applied for transfers to new voting locations. According to Justice Byabakama, these figures exclude students registered by NIRA, whose details are still being processed.
He also affirms that the total number of registered voters now stands at 19,925,574, up from 18,103,603 during the 2020/2021 General Elections.
Byabakama says the Commission has been working diligently, with members and staff in the field, to monitor the progress and resolve any issues. In total, more than 21 days have been spent registering voters, effecting transfers, and confirming voter details at update centers and via the Electoral Commission website (www.ec.or.ug/register).
He reiterated that the extension of the update exercise is set to run from February 11 to February 17, 2025, at update stations across the country. He has emphasized that the extension is not for fresh registration but to allow those who missed the initial window to register or update their details. Voters wishing to transfer to a new voting location must present confirmation of their residence or origin in the new parish.
“During this period, we urge all eligible Ugandans who have not yet registered or wish to transfer to a new polling station to make use of this extension,” Justice Byabakama appealed. “We also encourage voters to check the accuracy of their registration details either at the update centers or online.”
During the extension, the exercise will continue to be conducted at update stations starting from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, every day, including weekends.
The Commission plans to release updated statistics at key milestones in the upcoming General Elections Roadmap, including the Display Exercise scheduled for April-May 2025.
The Chairperson also took the opportunity to thank the staff on the ground for their tireless work, overcoming the challenges posed by difficult weather and high volumes of applicants.
As the deadline looms, eligible voters are urged to take advantage of the extended time to ensure they are registered and ready to participate in Uganda’s upcoming 2025/2026 General Elections.
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