Story by Aggrey Twesigye
The voter registration exercise in Mbarara District has been marred by equipment shortages, leaving many residents frustrated as they struggle to update their details ahead of the 2026 general elections. The process, meant to facilitate new voter registration and polling station updates, has been slowed down by inadequate machines, resulting in long delays at various registration centers.
During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Mbarara District Woman MP Margaret Ayebare Rwebyabu raised concerns over the situation, citing reports of stranded residents at Bwizibwera-Rutooma Town Council offices. She emphasized that many eligible voters were waiting for hours without receiving services, calling for immediate intervention to ensure the smooth progress of the exercise.
The 22-day voter registration exercise, which started on January 20 and is scheduled to end on February 20, is critical for Ugandans aged 18 and above to enroll as voters or update their polling details. However, with persistent equipment shortages, there are growing fears that many eligible voters could be locked out of the process. Authorities have yet to address the issue, leaving uncertainty over whether the necessary resources will be provided before the deadline.
