Uganda’s Electoral Commission has ordered polling stations hit by biometric failures to begin voting using the National Voters Register to prevent disenfranchisement.
The commission said technical teams were addressing the problems and directed that stations remain open until all voters in line by 4:00pm have voted, assuring the public of a credible process.
In a statement released on January 15, 2026, the commission said it had received reports of delays caused by problems with Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs), a key tool used to confirm voter identity at polling stations across the country.
This comes amid Uganda holding nationwide elections on Thursday to choose leaders at different levels of government, following weeks of campaigning marked by tight security and heightened political tension.
The polls were being conducted under the supervision of the Electoral Commission, with voting taking place at designated polling stations across the country.
Authorities were emphasising the use of biometric voter verification, with manual registers provided as a backup where technology failed.
The election was widely being seen as a key test of Uganda’s electoral institutions, voter confidence and commitment to a peaceful, credible and orderly democratic process.
To prevent eligible voters from being turned away, the commission instructed all returning officers that where a BVVK fails to start, the voting process should commence immediately using the National Voters Register, in accordance with the electoral laws and guidelines, so as not to disenfranchise any voter.
The directive marks a swift procedural adjustment aimed at keeping the election on track despite the technical setbacks.
Biometric kits are central to Uganda’s voting process, but their failure can stall polling, particularly in remote areas where replacement equipment may take time to arrive.
The commission said its technical teams were already in the field, noting that “the Electoral Commission’s technical teams are actively responding to and addressing the reported technical challenges.”
It did not specify how many polling stations were affected, but acknowledged the disruptions had delayed the start of voting in some locations.
In an effort to reassure voters and political stakeholders, the commission apologised for the disruption, saying it regrets any inconveniences caused and assures the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure a smooth and credible voting process nationwide.
The guidance also addressed concerns that late starts could shorten voting time and suppress turnout.
Presiding officers were directed to extend polling hours, with the commission stating that “polling stations will remain open until the registered voters who will be in the lines by 4:00pm have cast their votes.”
Election officials say the move is intended to protect the constitutional right to vote and maintain public confidence in the process, particularly amid heightened scrutiny of election management and transparency.
Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, signed the statement, reaffirming the authority of the directive and the commission’s commitment to regular free and fair elections and referenda.
Manual verification using the National Voters Register is provided for under Uganda’s electoral framework as a contingency measure, but its use on election day often attracts close scrutiny from observers and political actors for any signs of procedural inconsistency.
The commission emphasised that the switch to the register was lawful and temporary, to be used only where biometric kits fail to function.
By instructing officials to proceed immediately rather than wait for technical fixes, the commission sought to avoid long queues and frustration among voters.
While technical challenges have occurred in previous Ugandan elections, the commission’s rapid response appeared aimed at limiting their impact and preventing delays from escalating into wider disruptions.
As voting continued, the commission urged calm and cooperation at polling stations, signalling that resolving the technical issues remained a priority even as polling proceeded under the contingency measures.
The developments come amid a tightly watched electoral process, with domestic and international observers monitoring both the conduct of polling and the commission’s handling of logistical challenges.
The commission’s assurance that voting would continue until all voters present by the official closing time had cast their ballots was intended to reinforce confidence in the integrity and inclusiveness of the process.
With technical teams deployed and extended hours ordered where necessary, election officials said the focus remained on ensuring that every eligible voter is given the opportunity to participate, despite the early setbacks caused by equipment failures.
