ELLECTORAL COMMISSION CHAIRMAN SIMON BYABAKAMA
The Electoral Commission (EC) has extended the ongoing update of the National Voters’ Register by seven days, giving eligible Ugandans more time to ensure they are registered ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Originally scheduled to end today, Monday, February 10, 2025, the exercise will now continue until Monday, February 17, 2025.
The extension follows requests from stakeholders and observations by the EC, indicating that some eligible citizens had not yet registered.
Speaking at a press briefing, EC Chairman Justice Simon Byabakama emphasized that this will be the final extension.
“Some key stakeholders have requested additional time for a more comprehensive registration process. The Commission, after reviewing field assessments and stakeholder appeals, has decided to extend the exercise by seven days, starting Tuesday, February 11, and ending Monday, February 17, 2025. No further extensions will be granted,” he stated.
According to Byabakama, the extension is aimed at giving more Ugandans an opportunity to register, particularly those who were unable to do so during the initial period from January 20 to February 10, 2025.
The voter register update is a crucial exercise, ensuring that all eligible Ugandans who have turned 18 and have not registered can do so to participate in the upcoming elections.
It also allows already registered voters to update their details or transfer to a new polling station if they have relocated.
During the extension period, the voter registration exercise will continue to take place at designated update stations in each parish across the country.
The stations will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., including weekends, to allow as many people as possible to register.
Byabakama clarified that this is not a fresh registration of voters, but rather an opportunity for: Ugandan citizens who have turned 18 and have never registered to do so and registered voters who wish to transfer their polling stations.
To transfer to a new polling station, applicants must present proof of residence in the new location, such as confirmation from local authorities.
Additionally, they must provide details of their previous polling station to facilitate the process.
The Electoral Commission has made the National Voters’ Register available at update centers in each parish to allow voters to verify and confirm their details.
This step is crucial to ensuring accuracy in the electoral process.
“We encourage all registered voters to check their information to ensure there are no errors. This will help prevent issues on polling day,” Byabakama urged.
In addition to physical verification, voters can also confirm their registration details online through the Electoral Commission’s official website: https://ec.or.ug/register.
Despite the extension, the Electoral Commission has made it clear that there will be no further adjustments beyond February 17, 2025.
Byabakama has urged Ugandans to take this final chance seriously.
“We encourage all eligible citizens to make use of this time. Once the deadline passes, no further registration or transfers will be allowed,” he warned.
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