By KT Reporter
The Electoral Commission (EC) has received the second and final consignment of biometric voter verification kits ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections. On Saturday afternoon, the EC Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, received the equipment at Entebbe International Airport, in the presence of representatives from two political parties.
Byabakama said the new batch contains more than 49,000 kits, complementing the first consignment of 60,000 that arrived a month ago. The consignment was delivered aboard a privately chartered airline from China, a Boeing B747-200F, which landed at midday before the kits—packed in Electoral Commission-branded boxes—were offloaded.
They were later loaded onto several EC trucks that had arrived in a convoy guarded by Counter Terrorism Police personnel and UPDF soldiers for security. Justice Byabakama explained that with both deliveries complete, the EC now has the full number of kits required to deploy two units at each of the 50,951 polling stations across the country.
He commended the contractor, Simi-Valley, and the manufacturer in China for fulfilling their obligations on time. “This is the final consignment. The manufacturer has now delivered all the kits we ordered,” he said.
The biometric devices are designed to verify voters using thumbprints or facial recognition. According to Byabakama, the technology is intended to eliminate fears of ballot stuffing, multiple voting, and other forms of electoral malpractice.
“Each voter will be biometrically identified before being issued a ballot paper. If your thumbprint cannot be read, the kit will identify you using your face,” he said. “This is part of ensuring that the 2026 general elections are free, fair, credible, and transparent.”
Only two political party representatives—Robert Centenary of the Forum for Democratic Change and Bruce Muhangi of the National Peasants Party—turned up, although all registered parties had been invited. The EC is currently training personnel who will, in turn, train 1,050 master trainers responsible for preparing polling station officials to operate the machines.
Byabakama said public demonstrations will soon be held to show voters how the verification process works. “We shall invite selected groups, including the media, to load their data onto the kits and physically test them. We want to demonstrate, not just talk,” he said.
After arrival, the kits were transported to EC stores for safekeeping and technical inspection. Teams will test the machines, check batteries, and ensure full functionality ahead of deployment. Ballot papers will be delivered later under similar public scrutiny.
With just over a month to polling day, Byabakama expressed confidence that the training will be completed in time. He estimated the total cost of procuring the more than 100,000 kits at over US$50 million, describing them as highly specialized equipment. He also reminded the public that biometric verification will prevent proxy voting.
“Whoever does not turn up to vote, nobody will vote for you. Your vote cannot be used by anyone else,” he said. Meanwhile, Justice Byabakama condemned the fatal incident that occurred in Iganga during Robert Kyagulanyi’s campaign rally, calling it very unfortunate and a disruption to the democratic process.
He emphasized that the EC strives to ensure peaceful participation in electoral activities and urged candidates and supporters to remain respectful, tolerant, and compliant with campaign guidelines. “We don’t want bloodshed. We don’t want loss of lives. We don’t want anything that distorts the people’s democratic choice,” he said, extending condolences to the family of the deceased.
Byabakama noted that earlier electoral activities—including the organization of polling stations, demarcation of electoral areas, and cleaning and display of the voters’ register—had progressed smoothly. He attributed emerging challenges to actors who refuse to comply with campaign procedures.
He dismissed claims that the EC has failed to provide adequate guidance, insisting that all candidates have been clearly informed. He also urged security forces to use only commensurate force, saying no situation should escalate to loss of life.
“Any problem can be solved without unnecessary loss of life,” he added. Byabakama appealed to Ugandans to safeguard the country’s stability as the 2026 elections draw nearer, warning that violent scenes circulating in the media damage the country’s image and can affect livelihoods and tourism. He reminded candidates to end rallies by 6 p.m. and avoid processions on public roads.
To the security services, he reiterated their duty to protect lives and property. “The future and stability of this country is entirely in our hands,” he said. “The kind of election we want in 2026 depends on the choices we make now.” Uganda will hold Presidential and Parliamentary elections on January 15, 2025, followed by Local Government elections for councillors, mayors and district chairpersons.
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