EC Defends Use of Security Agencies in Voter Registration Exercise

The Electoral Commission (EC), has justified the decision to involve security agencies in the exercise of the General Update of the National Voters Register.

The directive requires applicants to through the community security structures, including Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), District Internal Security Officers (DISO) and Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISOs) for verification, and the commission has been under criticism following this directive.

Giving an update on the voters’ registration and verification process that kicked off on Monday, Justice Stephen Byabakama, the EC chairman acknowledged the criticism but said that it is a necessary safeguard. “Uganda is home to many individuals who are not citizens, and the law requires that only Ugandans can vote. 

He said that security agencies are uniquely positioned to confirm citizenship. He further emphasized that the commission is not ceding its mandate to security agencies, noting that it retains ultimate authority over the voter registration process.

“If RDCs, DISO or GISOs demand money or act unfairly, this is criminal behaviour and will be dealt with accordingly,” he stressed, urging the public to report any malpractice.

He also clarified that security verification applies to first-time applicants and is based on the need to verify citizenship. Byabakama added that already registered voters are not required to present any recommendation from security at the update centre.

There has been concern about the requirement for a recommendation from the Gombolola Internal Security Officer (GISO) and the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) to facilitate the application for registration.

Opposition politicians and civil society groups remain sceptical about the measure. They argue that referring voters to RDCs, DISOs and GISOs, who are often seen as partisan figures aligning with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), could create opportunities for political interference.

Byabakama emphasized the importance of public vigilance, urging stakeholders to focus on mobilizing eligible voters and ensuring adherence to the process. “We should all aim to build a credible voters’ register. This exercise is critical for the integrity of the upcoming elections,” he said.

During the General Update of the National Voters Register, the Commission is compiling and updating the Voters Registers for Special Interest Groups, namely: the National Youth Voters Register for the election of Youth Councils and Committees; the National PWDs Voters Register for the election of PWD Councils and Committees; the National Older Persons Voters Register for election of Older Persons Councils and Committees.