EC Short by Nearly 8,000 Voter Registration Kits

Julius Mucunguzi, the EC spokesperson, disclosed that the Commission possesses only 2,703 voter registration machines to serve Uganda’s 10,595 parishes, leaving many areas underserved.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has revealed significant logistical challenges in its ongoing voter register update exercise, with a shortage of equipment hindering efforts to reach all areas effectively.
Launched on January 20, the exercise has drawn public complaints over inefficiencies in the process.
Julius Mucunguzi, the EC spokesperson, disclosed that the Commission possesses only 2,703 voter registration machines to serve Uganda’s 10,595 parishes, leaving many areas underserved.
“The kits are not enough. We have deployed one kit per sub-county, and it must be used across all the parishes in that particular sub-county,” Mucunguzi said.
This scarcity has led to delays, reports of machine breakdowns, and limited access for individuals seeking to update their registration details.
In response, parish electoral officials have been instructed to devise schedules to ensure the equitable distribution of the available kits.
“We have asked our officers at the parish level to develop a plan on how the machine will be moving and the dates it will be in particular parishes,” Mucunguzi said.
To enhance communication, officials are also tasked with informing residents about machine availability using all accessible channels.
“These officials must continuously use all means available to communicate to the people about the program and where the machine is going to be in particular parishes,” he emphasized.
Despite these efforts, public dissatisfaction remains high, with complaints ranging from a lack of machines in some areas to non-functional equipment.
The EC has yet to confirm whether additional resources will be allocated or if the exercise timeline will be adjusted to address these issues.
The voter register update is a critical component of preparations for Uganda’s upcoming electoral activities. However, with logistical challenges persisting, stakeholders are urging swift interventions to ensure the process is inclusive and efficient.