Uganda’s Electoral Commission has dismissed allegations of irregularities in the National Voters Register, terming claims circulating on social media as false and misleading.
The Commission said it reviewed the cited voter slips and confirmed that they belonged to different individuals, assuring the public that biometric safeguards guarantee the principle of one person, one vote.
The statement comes a few weeks ahead of Uganda’s General Election, scheduled for January 15, 2026.
According to the Commission, the allegations were based on two Voter Location Slips bearing the name Matovu Ronald with similar dates of birth.
Opposition politician Kyagulanyi Robert, the flag bearer of the National Unity Platform in the 2026 General Election, popularly known as Bobi Wine, had alleged that a multiple-voting scheme was being orchestrated by the State to influence the upcoming elections.
“Kyagulanyi cited two Voter Location Slips issued to individuals bearing the name Matovu Ronald and alleged that the Commission deliberately registered the same person at different polling stations to facilitate multiple voting,” the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon said.
However, the Commission said it conducted a review of the cited slips and reached a clear conclusion.
“The Commission has reviewed the cited Voter Location Slips and established that they belong to two distinct individuals registered in different electoral areas,” it said.
The Commission emphasized that identity verification was straightforward.
“The voters are clearly distinguishable by their unique photographs,” the statement noted, adding that shared names and dates of birth do not imply duplication.
“While the individuals share similar names and dates of birth, this does not in any way mean they are the same person.
“The claims suggesting otherwise are false and misleading,” it said.
Addressing concerns about transparency, the Commission explained why it could not publicly release voter details.
“In compliance with data protection and privacy laws, the Commission will not publish the photographs or personal details of the affected voters,” it said, while cautioning against the misuse of personal data online.
“The Commission further advises all stakeholders to refrain from sharing individuals’ personal voter information on social media without their consent, as this violates privacy laws,” the statement added.
On safeguards against multiple voting, the Commission reassured the public that systems are in place.
“The Commission further wishes to assure the public that the Biometric Voter Verification System (BVVS) has been enhanced to verify voters using fingerprints or facial recognition before a ballot is issued,” it said.
“Without successful biometric verification, one will not be issued with ballot papers. This safeguard firmly upholds the principle of one person, one vote.”
The Commission also addressed claims that it had denied presidential candidates access to the final voters register.
“Kyagulanyi further alleged that the Electoral Commission has refused to provide presidential candidates with the final National Voters Register,” it noted, before firmly rejecting the assertion.
“This claim is entirely incorrect and misleading,” the Commission said.
It explained that legal requirements had been followed and that the Commission issued a soft copy of the Voters Register to all presidential candidates immediately after nomination.
Regarding hard copies, the Commission clarified that the same law requires it to issue a hard copy of the Register two weeks before polling day.
It added that production was ongoing and that the copies would be issued within the legally prescribed timeframe.
“The Commission urges Kyagulanyi and all stakeholders to utilise the established channels available to candidates to seek clarification, verify information, and raise concerns regarding the electoral process,” it said.
Justice Byabakama reassured Ugandans of the commission’s dedication to safeguarding electoral integrity.
