By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has expressed concerns over the limited timeframe set by the Electoral Commission (EC) for the voter registration and register update exercise ahead of the 2026 general election.
The EC has scheduled the voter registration and update exercise to run from January 21 to February 10, 2025. However, the FDC argues that the 21-day period is insufficient for a process critical to ensuring free and fair elections.
“The Electoral Commission’s approach to managing this process appears rushed and uncoordinated, raising serious concerns about its preparedness for the upcoming election,” said Eng. Patrick Amuriat Oboi, the FDC President.
The FDC has proposed that the voter registration and update period be extended to at least two months to allow for greater participation and accuracy. Additionally, the party emphasized the need for comprehensive voter education to enable citizens to make informed decisions during the 2026 elections.
“Having this exercise involving many people just operating within 21 days without proper civic education is failing the citizens of this country,” Amuriat stated.
According to the FDC, conducting this exercise in the provided time and without adequate civic education for voters undermines the ability of citizens to fully participate in the democratic process.
Amuriat also alleged that the Electoral Commission has been complicit in disenfranchising voters by colluding with certain candidates to manipulate voter details, a malpractice he said the FDC will not tolerate. He called on Ugandans, especially members of the FDC, to actively participate in both internal party electoral activities and those organized by the EC.
“We especially urge the youth, who form the largest segment of the population, to register as voters in preparation for the 2025/26 general election,” Amuriat added.
The FDC reaffirmed its commitment to participating in the 2026 general elections, saying they will field candidates at all levels, including the presidency. The party plans to hold a National Delegates Conference in June 2025, during which they will elect its presidential flag bearer for the 2026/31 presidential race.
