Faulty Equipment Hampers Voters’ Register Update in Kitagwenda

The national voters’ register update is underway across Uganda, giving citizens aged 18 and above a chance to register, update their details, or transfer polling locations ahead of the 2026 general elections.
However, the process in Kitagwenda District has hit a snag due to technical hitches with the equipment, according to Francis Muhinda Kagoro, the District Election Administrator.
Kagoro disclosed that some of the kits provided by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) arrived with defective fingerprint scanners, while others lacked essential items like computer chargers.
These issues have disrupted the smooth running of the exercise, which runs daily from 8am to 6pm and is set to conclude on February 10, 2025.
“We have encountered challenges with faulty fingerprint scanners and missing chargers, which have slowed down the registration process,” Kagoro explained in an interview with The Nile Post.
“We have notified the Electoral Commission, and we’re optimistic the issues will be resolved by the end of today.”
Despite these hiccups, Kagoro noted an encouraging turnout and urged residents to take full advantage of the update.
“I encourage all eligible residents to participate actively to ensure they are included in the voters’ register. This will secure their ability to vote for their preferred candidates in the 2026 elections,” he emphasized.
The update exercise involves displaying voters’ registers at all wards and parishes in the district.
Electoral officers are equipped with tools such as fingerprint scanners, computers, confirmation guidelines (Form EC), transfer booklets (Form 3), register books (Form 7), and LC1 chairpersons' recommendation forms to facilitate the process.
Kagoro reassured the public that NIRA was addressing the technical challenges to ensure the registration continues smoothly.
Residents are encouraged to visit their nearest registration centers to confirm or update their information before the deadline.
The voters’ register update is a vital step in guaranteeing a credible and inclusive electoral process for the 2026 general elections.