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Rushed voter registration process fails citizens - Amuriat

FDC party president Mr Patrick Oboi Amuriat addresses the media at  headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday. Photo | Sylivia Katushabe

What you need to know:

  • The purpose of the exercise is to enable eligible Ugandan citizens to register as voters, transfer to new voting locations, and verify their details on the voter register

The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has appealed to the Electoral Commission (EC) to extend the national voter registration update exercise from the current three weeks to at least two months.

FDC Party president, Mr Patrick Oboi Amuriat, emphasised that this exercise is crucial as it involves registering new voters, updating voter details, and changing polling stations.

"We are looking at about 18 million voters in the next election. And you are stampeding these voters, this kind of exercise involves many people and taking place within just a period of 21 days without proper civic education is failing the citizens of this country," Mr. Amuriat said. "The Electoral Commission's approach to managing this process appears rushed and uncoordinated and raises serious concerns about the preparedness of this election."

The EC had initially scheduled the exercise to commence on January 3, but later extended it to begin on January 20 and end on February 10, 2025, lasting 21 days.

The purpose of the exercise is to enable eligible Ugandan citizens to register as voters, transfer to new voting locations, and verify their details on the voter register.

During a press conference at the FDC headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday, Mr Amuriat also called for unity among opposition parties ahead of the 2026 general elections.

"A united opposition will be a better competitor than a divided one," he said. "We are ready to cooperate with any political party and welcome any group in opposition that may be interested in building a working relationship with us."

He also claimed that hundreds of the members who had deserted the party have already expressed interest to return to participate in party activities including mobilisation for the coming elections.

However, the FDC Katonga faction disputed Mr Amuriat's claims, stating that he is seeking relevance from the public.

Secretary-General Mr Harold Kaija said, "Nobody would wish to go back to FDC carrying an FDC flag at the moment; it's very dangerous. We already know their motive and who they are working for. Amuriat is just seeking relevance from the public."