Uganda Launches Probe After Biometric Voter Verification Kits Fail at Polling Stations

Uganda’s government has launched an investigation into failures affecting biometric voter verification kits used at polling stations, after widespread reports of voters being unable to scan their IDs and election officials being unable to log into the devices. Uganda Radio Network (URN) reports that the Electoral Commission (EC) suspended use of the machines nationwide following operational problems that disrupted voting at multiple locations.

According to URN, Democratic Party President Norbert Mao said the disruption was severe enough to warrant a formal probe, describing the situation as unacceptable given the cost and importance of the voter verification technology. Mao’s comments came shortly after he cast his vote in Gulu City, where he said failures had affected the verification process and contributed to delays.

URN reports that the investigation is being conducted through the government, with attention focused on why the kits failed during active polling and what accountability mechanisms will follow. While the EC moved to suspend use of the kits, the operational impact highlighted the risks associated with relying on biometric verification devices for high-throughput election-day processes without clear contingency performance.

Sources: Uganda Radio Network, Independent

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By the ID Tech Editorial Team