By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
“Only Ugandans who have turned 18 by February 10, 2025, will be included in the voter register,” Byabakama stated.
The Independent Electoral Commission of Uganda (IEC) has been criticized for failing to adequately publicize the National Youth Council (NYC) elections,a move that has reportedly limited many young people from participating in electoral processes.
Ibraheem Sserugga, Deputy Chairperson of the FDC Youth League Central Region, accused the IEC of deliberately delaying the elections, stating that the commission’s lack of effective communication limits youth participation.
“The Electoral Commission has been extending National Youth Council elections and has not done enough to create awareness about them. This undermines the youth’s role in these critical elections,” Sserugga said.
The EC has postponed the NYC elections for the fifth time, now rescheduled from August 27 to August 29, 2025. However, FDC youth claim that this delay is a deliberate tactic by the government to financially weaken youth leaders from opposition parties while preparing their own members to assume key positions.
Nevertheless, Sserugga urged young people to seize the opportunity to take on leadership roles, not only in the NYC but also in local government and parliamentary elections.
FDC Youth League President Francis Adepo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the party prioritizes the inclusion of young people in leadership. “The FDC will ensure youth representation in the coming elections,” Adepo said, encouraging youth to actively engage and mobilize their peers to participate in updating their details on the national voter register.
“Reach out to the youth in your communities, rally them to participate, and educate them on the significance of this roadmap. Leadership is not reserved for a select few, it belongs to all who dare to step forward. Don’t shy away from contesting for critical positions,” Adepo said.
EC Launches National Voter Register Update
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission (EC) officially launched the national voter register update for the 2026 General Election on Monday. The exercise, launched by EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, will run for 22 days, ending on February 10.
Justice Byabakama revealed that Ugandans who turn 18 after February 10, 2025, will not be eligible to vote in the 2026 elections. He explained that the cut-off is necessary to allow the EC sufficient time to finalize the voters’ register and prepare other logistical requirements, including determining the number of ballot papers to print.
Byabakama made these remarks while appearing before the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee last week during discussions on the Commission’s 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper.
“Only Ugandans who have turned 18 by February 10, 2025, will be included in the voter register,” Byabakama stated.
Both the FDC and EC are urging all eligible voters to verify and update their registration details within the set timeline to promote transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process.
