The Electoral Commission (EC) has dismissed allegations by National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential flag bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, commonly known as Bobi Wine, over alleged irregularities in the National Voters Register (NVR), describing the claims as false and misleading.
The EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi said the claims stem from a video shared by Kyagulanyi on social media, in which he cited two Voter Location Slips bearing the name Matovu Ronald and similar dates of birth, alleging that the Commission had deliberately registered the same person at different polling stations to enable multiple voting.
Justice Byabakama said the Commission reviewed the slips and found that they belong to two different individuals registered in separate electoral areas.
“The two voters are clearly distinguishable by their unique photographs. Sharing similar names and dates of birth does not in any way mean they are the same person,” Justice Byabakama said.
He added that suggestions of deliberate double registration by the Commission are “false and misleading.”
The EC also cautioned against the sharing of personal voter information on social media, saying this violates data protection and privacy laws.
“In compliance with data protection and privacy laws, the Commission will not publish photographs or personal details of the affected voters,” Justice Byabakama said.
On concerns about multiple voting, the EC reassured the public that safeguards are in place to prevent voter fraud.
“The Biometric Voter Verification System has been enhanced to verify voters using fingerprints or facial recognition before a ballot is issued. Without successful biometric verification, no one will be given a ballot paper,” he said.
Justice Byabakama further dismissed claims that the Commission had refused to give presidential candidates the final National Voters Register.
“This claim is entirely incorrect and misleading. In line with the law, the Commission issued a soft copy of the Voters Register to all presidential candidates immediately after nomination,” he said.
He explained that hard copies of the register, which are used on polling day, will be issued two weeks before voting, as required by law.
The EC urged Bobi Wine and other stakeholders to use official channels to seek clarification and raise concerns about the electoral process.
“The Commission remains committed to conducting the 2026 General Elections in a transparent, professional and credible manner,” Justice Byabakama said, assuring Ugandans that the integrity of the electoral process will be protected.
