The Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda has issued crucial clarifications regarding the forthcoming general elections, reassuring citizens that a National Identity Card or a voter location slip is not a mandatory requirement for casting a ballot. According to EC Chairperson Simon Byabakama, the fundamental prerequisite for voting is the appearance of a voter's name in the National Voters Register. Speaking to journalists at the Commission headquarters in Kampala on January 31, 2025, Byabakama emphasized, "The foundation for one to vote is to be in the National Voters Register." He further explained that if an individual lacks either a National ID or a voter location slip, they simply need to present themselves at the polling station, state their name, and will be checked against the register before being allowed to vote.

Byabakama clarified that tools like the Biometric Voter Verification Kit and voter location slips were primarily introduced to enhance the efficiency and speed of the voting process, rather than to disenfranchise eligible voters. "If you don't have a National ID, come. If you don't have a voter location slip, come. The issue is -- are you in the register?" he reiterated, underscoring the EC's commitment to upholding every citizen's constitutional right to vote.

Addressing public concern surrounding the increasing number of candidate disqualifications, the Chairperson stressed that the Electoral Commission itself does not initiate petitions against candidates. He highlighted that the law empowers every voter or candidate to scrutinize the nomination papers of any contender, granting them the right to petition the Commission if any anomaly is discovered. To date, the EC has received over 400 petitions challenging nominations for various elective positions. Byabakama views this development as a positive indication of increased citizen vigilance within the electoral process, rather than an act of interference by the Commission. He acknowledged that the officials receiving nomination papers do not have sufficient time to verify every detail, which is precisely why the law provides for public scrutiny. He affirmed the Commission's stance: "We are not going to close our eyes if we realize there was some illegality during nominations," citing examples of forged signatures, including those of deceased individuals, which the Commission cannot ignore once brought to its attention.

Byabakama also took the opportunity to clarify his earlier remarks, which had generated public debate, urging voters to depart from polling stations after casting their ballots. While acknowledging the legal provision allowing individuals to stand 20 meters from polling stations, he appealed to the "reality" of maintaining a peaceful electoral environment. He recounted disturbing incidents during the 2021 general elections where hostile groups invaded polling stations, destroyed electoral materials, and disrupted vote tallying, ultimately preventing the declaration of results in some areas. "We want a peaceful election. We are trying to create room for everyone to vote -- some people, like the elderly, are put off by a charged and hostile environment," he explained, emphasizing the importance of a calm atmosphere for all participants.

As preparations for the 2026 polls advance, the Electoral Commission continues to urge all registered voters to proactively confirm their details in the National Voters Register and to participate peacefully in the elections. The Commission reaffirms that transparency, fairness, and inclusivity will remain paramount throughout the entire electoral process, ensuring a credible and democratic exercise for all Ugandans.