EC to update National Voters Register across the country

The Electoral Commission (EC) is set to conduct an update on the National Voters Register across the country.

The exercise will run from Thursday November 21 to Wednesday, December 11, 2019.

According to the commission, during the stipulated time, eligible voters will be registered as the 2021 general elections draw nearer.

In addition to this, voters who may wish to change their polling stations will have the opportunity to transfer.

Recently, Justice Simon Byabakama, the EC Chairperson revealed that owning a national ID does not automatically qualify one as a voter. However, ‘your presence’ on the national voters register does.

He was reacting to a campaign by musician turned politician Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine’s termed ‘Funa ndagamuntu’ [get your national ID].

The Kyadondo East legislator is currently using the slogan to urge his supporters to go and register so that they can get national IDs to become eligible voters. Bobi Wine says once they have them, they will be able to push President Yoweri Museveni out of power come 2021 Presidential elections.

However, Justice Byabakama added that they are not against the campaign and are in support of it.

“The national ID campaign by People Power is on point and we are not against anyone who is behind it. In fact we support it since having a national IDs eases service delivery in government institutions,” the Chairman said.

Adding, “But the fact that you have one does not automatically make you a voter. You must express willingness by registering on the national voters register.”