Share this article

The Electoral Commission (EC) has defended its decision to involve security agencies in the concluded update of the national voters’ register, a move that has sparked criticism from opposition groups and civil society organizations.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has justified its decision to include security agencies in the recent update of the national voters’ register, a move that has drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups.

The directive mandated that first-time voter applicants undergo verification through local security structures, including resident district commissioners (RDCs), district internal security officers (DISOs), and Gombolola internal security officers (GISOs). Critics argue that involving these officials, often perceived as partisan, risks political interference in the voter registration process.

Addressing concerns during an update on the concluded registration process, EC Chairperson Justice Stephen Byabakama described the measure as a necessary step to ensure only Ugandan citizens are registered to vote.

“Uganda hosts many individuals who are not citizens, and the law requires that only Ugandans participate in elections,” Byabakama stated.

He argued that security agencies are well-placed to verify citizenship but clarified that the EC remains the sole authority overseeing voter registration. Byabakama assured the public that security agencies were only assisting with verification for first-time applicants and that the EC has not delegated its mandate.

“If RDCs, DISOs, or GISOs demanded money or act unfairly, such behavior is criminal and would be addressed.

Despite these assurances, opposition leaders and civil society organizations remain skeptical, arguing that involving security officers undermined the credibility of the process. Many believe these officials were aligned with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), raising concerns about bias.