The Electoral Commission (EC) has extended the voter registration update exercise by seven days following numerous appeals from political players and other stakeholders.
The extension, which begins on Tuesday, February 11, and ends on Monday, February 17, comes after concerns that the initial timeframe was too short for all eligible voters to complete the process.
EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama announced the decision at a press conference held at the EC head offices on 10th Street Industrial Area in Kampala.
Initially, the electoral body maintained that the remaining days were sufficient for eligible voters to register.
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Julius Mucunguzi, the spokesperson of the Electoral Commission, told media that the remaining five days would have been adequate for all willing Ugandans to participate in the political process.
“We think the remaining days are adequate for every Ugandan who is willing to participate in the political process to register,” Mucunguzi said. However, following continued pressure, the EC decided to extend the exercise, emphasizing that there will be no further extensions beyond February 10th.
The voter registration update, which commenced on January 20, is crucial in establishing the official number of voters ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Despite the EC’s initial stance, several political figures and stakeholders argued that the timeframe was too short.
FDC President Patrick Amuriat expressed concern that many eligible voters might miss out due to time constraints. He also called on the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to halt its internal voter update exercise to prevent confusion among the electorate.
Similarly, Democratic Party spokesperson Ismail Kirya pointed out logistical challenges in some areas, saying, “In some parishes, there are no machines. How do you expect all Ugandans to be registered in time?”
Political activist John Bukenya added that the timing of the registration exercise was problematic, as many workers, including teachers, were not in their voting areas when the process began.
With the extension now in place, it remains to be seen whether all eligible voters will take advantage of the additional time to complete their registration.
