Electoral Commission Extends National Voters Register Update by Seven Days

The Electoral Commission (EC) has extended the General Update of the National Voters Register by seven days, following appeals from stakeholders and challenges in the initial phase of the exercise. The update, which began on January 20, 2025, was set to close on February 10, 2025, but will now run until February 17, 2025.

Why the Extension?

The EC cited overwhelming interest from the public, logistical challenges, and technical issues with registration kits as key reasons for the extension. So far, 361,432 new voters have been registered, and 292,021 voters have applied to transfer polling stations. However, long queues and machine breakdowns have slowed the process, necessitating more time.

Who Should Participate?

• New voters (18+ years) who have not yet registered.
• Registered voters wishing to transfer polling stations.
• Students registered by NIRA who have turned 18 and need to update their polling stations.

The update exercise will continue daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, including weekends. The EC urges all eligible Ugandans to take advantage of this extension, as no further extension will be granted.

This update is crucial for ensuring all eligible voters participate in the 2025/2026 General Elections.