By Mulengera Reporters
The Electoral Commission (EC) has assured the public that strong measures are in place to protect the integrity of the 2026 General Elections. Delivering his New Year message in Kampala today, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi said the Commission has strengthened safeguards at polling stations across the country.
Justice Byabakama explained that the Biometric Voter Verification System (BVVS) has been upgraded to ensure that only verified voters are allowed to cast a ballot.
Under the system, voters must be verified using fingerprints or facial recognition before receiving a ballot paper. He emphasized that without successful biometric verification, no voter will be issued with a ballot, reinforcing the principle of “one person, one vote.”
Addressing concerns raised by some political actors, the Electoral Commission also dismissed claims that presidential candidates were not provided with the final National Voters Register.
Justice Byabakama said that in accordance with the Electoral Commission Act, all nominated presidential candidates were given a soft copy of the register immediately after nomination on 23rd and 24th September 2025.
He added that the law further requires the Commission to issue hard copies of the National Voters Register at least two weeks before polling day.
According to Justice Byabakama, these hard copies are currently being finalized and will be delivered within the legally required timeframe.
The EC Chairperson urged presidential candidates, political parties, and other stakeholders to seek clarification on electoral matters through official communication channels rather than relying on social media discussions, which he said often lead to misinformation.
Justice Byabakama reaffirmed the Electoral Commission’s commitment to conducting the 2026 General Elections in a transparent, professional, and credible manner. He pledged that the Commission will continue to safeguard the integrity of Uganda’s electoral process and maintain public confidence in the country’s democratic systems.
