EC Faces Criticism Over Use of 2014 Census Data for Voter Register Update

The Electoral Commission (EC) has drawn scrutiny for relying on 2014 census data to update Uganda's national voter register ahead of the 2026 elections. 

Justice Simon Byabakama, EC Chairperson, defended the decision before Parliament’s Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, citing delays in finalizing 2024 census data due to unresolved boundary disputes.

James Muwonge, Director of Methodology at the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), explained that while district-level data is ready, missing details for some parishes and sub-counties have created gaps. 

He assured MPs that UBOS is working with the Ministry of Local Government to resolve these disputes and expects the data to be available within five months.

The reliance on outdated census data sparked criticism, with MPs, including Hon. Mathias Mpuuga (NUP, Nyendo-Mukungwe Division), questioning its reliability. 

Mpuuga highlighted the constitutional mandate for constituency demarcations based on census results and called for clarity on when updated data would be used.

The situation is further complicated by outdated equipment used by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA). 

NIRA’s Executive Director, Rosemary Kisembo, revealed that the equipment, procured in 2014, is now obsolete. 

"This equipment is at the end of its life and support," she said, warning of suboptimal performance that could jeopardize the credibility of the register update.

^{EC Chairperson, Justice Byabakama (R) during the meeting with the committee}

Hon. Fox Odoi-Oywelowo (West Budama North East) urged Parliament to allocate adequate funds for the EC, emphasizing its role in ensuring free and fair elections. 

"We have let down the EC and the country," he remarked, calling for immediate action.Meanwhile, MPs like Hon. Medard Sseggona (Busiro County East) have urged the EC to extend the voter registration update deadline, citing logistical challenges and public concerns. 

EC Chairperson Byabakama, however, stated that a decision on an extension would only be made after analyzing the remaining days of the exercise, which ends on 10 February 2025.

The ongoing voter register update, which began on 20 January 2025, has faced mounting pressure, with stakeholders calling for improved processes to uphold electoral credibility.

Join the Daily West Nile WhatsApp group now to never miss an update from us.Download Host Media Now from the Play Store to watch HostTV, listen to Host Radio Live, and stay informed—all in one convenient app!