Electoral Commission Assures of Credible 2026 Polls with Upgraded Biometric System
The BVVS, along with its digital kit, is designed to authenticate voters’ identities by matching fingerprints with personal information stored in the central database. This process allows election officers to verify a voter’s registration status and assigned polling station.
The Electoral Commission has assured Ugandans of a credible 2026 general election through the deployment of an upgraded Biometric Voter Verification System (BVVS). Hajjat Aisha Lubega, the Commission’s Vice Chairperson, expressed confidence that the newly enhanced voter verification software will significantly boost the integrity of Uganda’s electoral process.
Speaking at a symposium for Electoral Commission staff from the Central South region held at Maria Flo Hotel in Masaka City, Lubega said the system has strengthened the Commission’s capacity to deliver a free and fair election. The BVVS, along with its digital kit, is designed to authenticate voters’ identities by matching fingerprints with personal information stored in the central database. This process allows election officers to verify a voter’s registration status and assigned polling station.
Although the system was initially introduced during the 2016 general elections and later used in the 2021 polls, its effectiveness was hampered by limited technical skills among election officials and mechanical breakdowns in several areas. However, Lubega noted that the Commission has since built adequate capacity to operate the system more efficiently. She said technical teams are currently working to integrate the updated voters’ register with the BVVS, and preliminary results indicate a promising outcome for the upcoming election.
Lubega further stated that the Commission has undertaken extensive preparations to minimize structural irregularities during the 2026 elections. She emphasized the importance of collaboration with all stakeholders to maintain a peaceful and credible electoral environment.
In a separate remark in Luganda, Lubega stressed that the Commission’s responsibility is to ensure transparency and fairness throughout the electoral process.
Harriet Kashagire, the Central Southern Regional Elections Officer, confirmed that their teams have completed refresher training on best practices and election policies. She assured the public that the staff is now fully prepared for the election exercise. Kashagire appealed to all stakeholders to refrain from actions that may incite violence during the election period. “In case of any problem, let people reach out to the Commission because we can be able to find a solution,” she advised. According to figures from the Electoral Commission, Uganda currently has 18.103 million registered voters who are expected to cast their ballots at 34,684 polling stations across the country.
