Opposition is mounting against Uganda’s proposed mandatory biometric voter system planned for implementation in the 2026 general elections, with experts and officials raising concerns about feasibility, costs, and potential voter disenfranchisement.
The Electoral Commission of Uganda reports lower-than-expected participation in the voter register update exercise, a crucial step toward implementing the biometric system. This limited response has raised questions about the viability of deploying nationwide biometric voting infrastructure.Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Nobert Mao announced the government’s intention to implement mandatory electronic voting for the 2026 General Elections.
The proposal faces significant resistance from stakeholders, including governance experts who highlight technical and logistical challenges.The potential for voter exclusion remains a primary concern. Without adequate preparation and voter education, experts warn that significant portions of the eligible voting population could be prevented from participating in the electoral process. This concern mirrors challenges faced by other nations, such as Guyana, which recently ruled out implementing a biometric voting system for its 2025 elections due to implementation risks and time constraints.
Electoral officials, speaking anonymously, cite substantial financial implications as another major obstacle. The cost of implementing a nationwide biometric system would require significant resources, raising questions about budget allocation priorities.
Technical reliability presents additional challenges, as system failures during election day could disrupt voting and compromise electoral integrity. While biometric voting technologies have demonstrated potential for reducing fraud and enabling remote voting, successful implementation requires robust infrastructure and contingency plans.
Civil society organizations are advocating for expanded public consultation before proceeding with this fundamental change to Uganda’s electoral process. The Electoral Commission and government officials must address these concerns as they develop their implementation strategy for the 2026 elections.
Sources: NTV Uganda, Elgon FM
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February 10, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team
