By Mulengera Reporters
The Electoral Commission has told Ugandans that they do not need a National ID card or a voter location slip to vote in the upcoming elections. The most important thing is that a voter’s name is in the National Voters Register.
Electoral Commission Chairperson Simon Byabakama spoke to journalists at the Commission offices in Kampala on Wednesday, January 31, 2025.
He explained that the main requirement to vote is being in the National Voters Register. He said that even if a voter does not have a National ID or a voter location slip, they can just come and give their name. The Commission will check the register, and the person will be allowed to vote.
Byabakama said that the Biometric Voter Verification Kit and voter location slips were introduced mainly to make the voting process faster, not to stop anyone from voting. He added that the key question for voters is whether they are in the register.
He also addressed public concerns about the growing number of candidate disqualifications, stating that the Commission does not start petitions against candidates.
He explained that the law allows voters or candidates to check the papers of any candidate, and if they find a problem, they can submit a petition.
According to him, the Commission had received over 400 petitions about nominations for different positions. He said this shows that citizens are more vigilant rather than the Commission interfering. He explained that staffs do not have enough time to check every paper, which is why the law allows scrutiny. He emphasized that the Commission cannot ignore illegal actions reported during nominations.
Byabakama gave examples of cases where candidates submitted fake signatures, including signatures of people who had died, and said that such cases must be addressed once reported to the Commission.
He also clarified his earlier advice about voters leaving polling stations after voting. He said that while the law allows people to stand 20 meters from polling stations, safety must be considered. He reminded people of incidents in the 2021 elections when hostile groups invaded polling stations, destroyed materials, and disrupted vote counting. He said the Commission wants elections to be peaceful and that everyone, especially elderly voters, should feel safe to vote.
As preparations for the 2026 elections continue, the Electoral Commission urged all registered voters to check their details in the National Voters Register and participate calmly. The Commission emphasized that fairness, transparency, and inclusion remain central to the electoral process. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
