Call to Action: Mobilising Communities for Voter Register Update

Kampala, Uganda—The President and Chairman of the National Resistance Movement, Yoweri Museveni, has called upon party leaders and supporters to take keen interest in the ongoing voter verification and updating of the register ahead of the 2026 General Elections.

In a letter dated January 7, 2025, to members of the Central Executive Committee-CEC, National Executive Committee-NEC, Members of Parliament, and NRM leaders at all levels, Museveni called on ensuring that the voter records are updated to the book. “The National Electoral Commission has issued an electoral road map for these General Elections commencing with the verification and updating of the Voters’ Registers. This exercise shall run from January 7 to January 10, 2025,” Museveni noted.

Ensuring Inclusive Voter Registers

Museveni urged the leaders to make efforts to verify their names and those of their communities at polling stations. Emphasize that those who deserve to vote must be included on the list while deleting the deceased and adding those who have reached 18 years of age.

“This is the verification to confirm that your name and the names of the people you know in your area are on the register. You should also check for the names of those who died so that their names get removed, and the young people who have attained 18 years should be registered,” he said.

The President emphasized that the voters’ register must be both credible and up-to-date so that the resultant electoral process would be free and fair. He urged NRM leaders to mobilize people in their areas ahead of the three-day exercise to ensure full participation.

Electoral Commission Moves to Adjust Timeline for Voter Update

The Electoral Commission announced changes to the schedule for updating the national voters’ register. The exercise that was set to run from January 3 to January 24, 2025, will now start on January 20 and end on February 10, 2025.

Justice Simon Byabakama, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, said the postponement was necessary for more logistical and administrative preparations. “This adjustment allows us to ensure readiness at all levels and give every eligible citizen the chance to participate effectively,” Byabakama said.

This has been updated to include daily registration and verification, inclusive of weekends, between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. at all stations countrywide. This, holistically, is targeted at citizens of Uganda aged 18 years and above but not yet registered. This allows voters to transfer polling stations, update personal details, and also facilitates registration for new voters, including students who just turned 18.

**Consolidating Democratic Participation

Museveni’s message underscored the importance of inclusive participation in the electoral process. He extended condolences to the families of NRM members and other Ugandans who passed away in 2024 and wished citizens a productive and successful 2025.

“A credible voters’ register is a cornerstone of democracy,” Museveni stated. “I urge all leaders to take this responsibility seriously and ensure that every eligible Ugandan is part of the process.”

A Shared Interest in Electoral Transparency

In this regard, updating the Voter’s Register is a touch stone in these preparations towards elections dated for 2026. Engagement and accuracy throughout at commensurate levels ensure the role of community NRM and the EC take responsibility to deliver yet again a smooth and transparent expression of the Will of the people of Uganda.

As President Museveni has clearly sounded the trumpet, and with the revised timeline from the Electoral Commission, the stage is set for Ugandans to take active participation in shaping the democratic future of the country.