President Yoweri Museveni has urged leaders and supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to ensure their names are accurately reflected on the Electoral Commission (EC) voters’ register as preparations intensify for Uganda’s 2026 general elections.
Museveni, the longstanding president and national chairperson of the NRM, is expected to represent the party once again, facing opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), President Museveni highlighted the importance of updating voter registers, describing it as a crucial step in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
“The Electoral Commission has released the roadmap for the 2026 general elections, beginning with the verification and update of voter registers. I urge all NRM leaders and supporters to check that your names are on the registers and assist in updating them by removing deceased individuals and adding new voters who have turned 18,” Museveni said.
The president also called on Ugandans across the political spectrum to actively participate in the process. “The registered voters’ names will be displayed at every polling station in Uganda. Let us all check to ensure that our names and those of our family, friends, and neighbors are included on the register,” he added.
Growing Electorate: Projections for 2026
Uganda’s Electoral Commission has projected a significant increase in the number of registered voters, from 18 million in the 2021 elections to an estimated 24 million by 2026.
This growth reflects Uganda’s youthful population, with many reaching voting age since the last elections.
The NRM, which had already completed entering 11 million members into its digital party register as of December 2022, is now focused on ensuring that its supporters are properly registered with the national EC database.
This effort aligns with the EC’s revised voter register update schedule, which will now run from January 20 to February 10, 2025, at designated stations nationwide.
Updated Roadmap for Voter Registration
The Electoral Commission, chaired by Justice Simon Byabakama, emphasized the importance of this update exercise, which will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including weekends.
Students who have recently turned 18 are particularly encouraged to register or update their particulars during the exercise before they return to school.
“The purpose of this exercise is to allow eligible Ugandan citizens aged 18 and above, who are not yet registered, to enroll as voters,” the EC stated. “It will also enable registered voters to transfer their polling stations, confirm the accuracy of their details, and update any missing information.”
The EC further clarified that students registered by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) who have reached voting age can now submit their National Identification Numbers (NINs) to be assigned polling stations within their respective parishes of residence or origin.
Museveni’s Message to Party Members
In his message, Museveni congratulated NRM leaders on their accomplishments in 2024 and extended New Year wishes. He also expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones over the past year, praying for their eternal peace.
“Condolences to our members and other Ugandans who died in the past year. May the almighty God rest their souls in eternal peace,” Museveni wrote.
2026 Election Timeline
The 2026 general elections are scheduled to take place between January 12 and February 9, 2026.
However, the nomination of candidates for presidential, parliamentary, and local government positions will occur earlier, between June and October 2025.
This timeline is part of a comprehensive electoral roadmap designed to ensure smooth preparations and adequate time for voter and candidate readiness.
The Path Forward
As Uganda approaches its next major electoral milestone, Museveni’s call underscores the NRM’s commitment to maintaining its stronghold while ensuring fairness and transparency.
The voter register update exercise is expected to be a significant undertaking, reflecting Uganda’s vibrant democracy and its citizens’ active participation in shaping the nation’s future.
All Ugandans, regardless of political affiliation, are encouraged to seize this opportunity to verify and update their voter details, ensuring their voices will be heard in 2026.
