The Electoral Commission (EC) announced a voters’ register display exercise scheduled from April 25 to May 25, 2025.
During this period, citizens are encouraged to visit their designated polling stations to verify their details or check their information online via a link provided on the EC’s website.
This exercise is a critical component of ensuring a transparent, credible, and inclusive electoral process. While some may view it as a routine administrative task, the voters’ register display is a cornerstone of democratic participation. Here are five reasons why Ugandans need to embrace this exercise.
Empowering citizens
The voters’ register display exercise is not merely a bureaucratic requirement; it is an invitation for every eligible voter to take ownership of their role in Uganda’s democracy. By visiting polling stations or accessing the EC’s online platform, citizens can confirm that their names, identification details, and polling stations are accurately recorded.
This proactive step ensures that individuals are not disenfranchised on election day due to errors such as missing names, incorrect particulars, or outdated information.
In a country where political engagement is often passionate, the act of verifying one’s details is a powerful expression of agency. It allows citizens to assert their right to vote and hold the Electoral Commission accountable for maintaining an accurate register.
For young voters, in particular, this exercise offers a chance to engage with the electoral process early, fostering a culture of civic responsibility. By participating, Ugandans send a clear message: they value their voice and are committed to shaping the nation’s future.
Moreover, the availability of an online verification option is a significant step toward modernizing Uganda’s electoral system. For tech-savvy citizens, especially in urban areas, this feature provides convenience and accessibility.
It also demonstrates the EC’s willingness to adapt to contemporary needs, making it easier for busy professionals, students, and others to participate without the need to travel to polling stations. Embracing this exercise, whether in person or online, empowers individuals to take control of their electoral destiny.
Enhancing electoral integrity
A credible voters’ register is the foundation of any legitimate election. Errors or discrepancies in the register—whether intentional or accidental—can undermine the entire process, leading to disputes, mistrust, and even unrest. The voters’ register display exercise is designed to preempt such issues by allowing the public to identify and correct mistakes before they escalate into larger problems.
By participating, citizens contribute to the accuracy and transparency of the electoral roll. For instance, they can report deceased voters still listed, duplicate entries, or individuals registered in the wrong polling stations.
These corrections help ensure that the register reflects the true electorate, reducing the risk of electoral fraud or manipulation. In a country with a history of contested elections, such vigilance is essential to safeguarding the integrity of the democratic process.
The month-long duration of the exercise, from April 25 to May 25, 2025, provides ample time for widespread participation. This extended period accommodates diverse schedules and geographic challenges, particularly for rural voters who may need to travel to polling stations.
By taking advantage of this window, Ugandans can collectively strengthen the electoral system, making it more robust against allegations of irregularities. A clean voters’ register is a shared responsibility, and public participation is the key to achieving it.
Promoting inclusivity
One of the most significant benefits of the voters’ register display exercise is its role in promoting inclusivity. Uganda is a diverse nation with a complex demographic landscape, including urban and rural populations, different ethnic groups, and varying levels of literacy and access to information.
The EC’s dual approach—offering both in-person and online verification—ensures that no one is left behind.
For rural voters, who may face logistical challenges such as poor road networks or limited internet access, the opportunity to visit polling stations is critical. These in-person visits allow community members to engage directly with electoral officials, ask questions, and resolve issues on the spot.
Meanwhile, the online platform caters to urban dwellers and those with digital access, ensuring that the process is equitable across different segments of society.
The exercise also serves as a safety net for marginalized groups, such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities, who may face unique barriers to electoral participation. For example, a woman whose name was incorrectly recorded due to a clerical error can rectify this during the display period, ensuring her vote counts.
Similarly, persons with disabilities can work with EC officials at polling stations to address accessibility concerns. By embracing this exercise, Ugandans can collectively advocate for a voters’ register that reflects the nation’s diversity and ensures every voice is heard.
Building Trust
Trust is the bedrock of any functioning democracy, yet it is often fragile in politically polarized environments. In Uganda, past elections have sometimes been marred by allegations of mismanagement or bias, eroding public confidence in the electoral system. The voters’ register display exercise is an opportunity to rebuild this trust by fostering transparency and accountability.
When citizens verify their details and see their corrections reflected in the final register, they gain confidence that the Electoral Commission is committed to fairness. The public nature of the exercise—conducted at polling stations across the country—also allows for collective oversight, reducing the perception of secrecy or manipulation.
Furthermore, the EC’s decision to provide an online verification tool signals a commitment to openness, as citizens can access information from the comfort of their homes.
Political parties, civil society organizations, and the media also play a vital role in amplifying the importance of this exercise. By encouraging their supporters to participate, political parties can demonstrate their commitment to a fair process.
Civil society can educate communities about the exercise, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, while the media can provide updates and success stories to inspire broader participation. When all stakeholders rally behind the voters’ register display, it creates a virtuous cycle of trust and engagement.
Addressing potential challenges
While the benefits of the voters’ register display are clear, the exercise is not without challenges. Limited awareness, especially in remote areas, could hinder participation. The EC must invest in robust voter education campaigns, using radio, community leaders, and social media to spread the word.
Additionally, technical issues with the online platform, such as server downtimes or user errors, could frustrate users. The EC should ensure the website is user-friendly and supported by a responsive helpdesk.
Logistical barriers, such as long distances to polling stations or inclement weather, may also discourage participation. To address this, the EC could collaborate with local governments to provide transportation or extend verification services to community centers. By anticipating and mitigating these challenges, the EC can maximize turnout and ensure the exercise is truly inclusive.
In short, the voters’ register display exercise, running from April 25 to May 25, 2025, is a pivotal moment for Uganda’s democracy. It is an opportunity for citizens to assert their rights, enhance electoral integrity, promote inclusivity, and build trust in the democratic process.
By visiting polling stations or using the EC’s online platform, Ugandans can ensure their voices are counted in the upcoming elections.
