Compiled by: Eman Yonah Oruk
Oyam, Uganda – Over 77,000 eligible voters may miss the opportunity to participate in the 2026 general election due to an insufficient number of polling stations in the district. This revelation was made by Moses Meregurwa, the district registration officer for the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) at the Oyam branch, amid the ongoing nationwide registration drive for National Identification (ID) cards.
Meregurwa emphasized the importance of addressing this polling station shortage to ensure that all eligible citizens have access to voting facilities. As it stands, many registered citizens in the district, particularly those who initially registered at schools or community centers, have since reached the age of 16 or older. However, they are at risk of being disenfranchised unless their information is updated and new polling stations are introduced to accommodate the growing voter population.
The ongoing registration exercise, which will continue until November 23, 2024, allows citizens to update their data to facilitate the processing of National ID cards. During this exercise, citizens are required to present their National Identification Number (NIN), Application ID, or a copy of their registration form, along with their name and date of birth, to confirm their eligibility and update their information as necessary.
Adding to the urgency of this issue, the Minister of Internal Affairs recently announced an extension on the expiry date for more than three million IDs that were set to expire within the next year. This extension underscores the government’s focus on ensuring that more citizens remain active within the national registry, allowing them to participate in the upcoming election.
Sam Owili, the Local Council (LC1) Chairperson of Teduka Cell in the Western Ward of Oyam Town Council, expressed his appreciation for the strong turnout of residents during the registration process. According to Owili, the community’s eagerness to secure updated ID cards reflects their commitment to civic duties and highlights the need for expanded resources to support this engagement.
As NIRA continues its efforts to register and update citizens’ information across Uganda, the issue of polling station accessibility in Oyam remains a critical challenge. Without sufficient polling stations, thousands of voters may be left without a voice in the democratic process, emphasizing the need for prompt and strategic action to ensure every eligible voter can participate in the 2026 general election.