The Electoral Commission (EC) has assured Ugandans that lack of a National Identity Card or voter location slip will not bar them from voting in the 2026 general elections, as long as their names appear on the National Voters Register.
Speaking to journalists at the Commission headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, EC Chairperson Simon Byabakama said the voters register remains the only legal requirement for participation in the elections. He explained that the National ID and voter location slip are meant to simplify identification and reduce delays, but are not mandatory.
“The basis of voting is the National Voters Register. Even without a voter location slip or National ID, a voter only needs to appear at the polling station and state their name,” Byabakama said.
The EC chairperson also addressed concerns over the growing number of candidates being disqualified from the race, noting that the Commission acts only on formal complaints and petitions, not on its own initiative. According to Byabakama, over 400 petitions have so far been submitted by members of the public and rival candidates.
He said the spike in petitions reflects increased public scrutiny of the electoral process, adding that some aspirants have been caught submitting forged signatures, including those of deceased persons, offences he said the Commission cannot overlook.
Byabakama further clarified remarks he recently made advising voters to leave polling stations after casting their ballots.
He said the guidance is aimed at preventing disorder and protecting election materials, recalling incidents during the 2021 elections when groups invaded polling centres and vandalised equipment.
As the country heads toward the 2026 polls, the EC chairperson urged voters to verify their details in the register and called on all stakeholders to maintain peace throughout the election period.
