INTERN STUDENT
The ongoing nationwide voter update exercise has made significant progress in Ntungamo district, with 50% of the targeted population already covered, according to the district registrar, Ngonzi Latifu. The exercise, which commenced on January 20, 2025, is being conducted across all 34 sub-counties in the district and focuses on two key activities: fresh registration of individuals above 18 years who have never registered before and the transfer of voting locations for eligible voters.
Addressing concerns about students who have already returned to school, Latifu clarified that voting in Uganda is optional. He emphasized that the exercise had been available in communities for the past two weeks while students were still home, allowing those interested to update their details. He stated that participation remains a personal choice and cannot be enforced.
To ensure inclusivity, Latifu highlighted efforts made to accommodate people with disabilities (PWDs) in the voter update process. A PWD Mapping Exercise was conducted in November and December 2024, where LC1 chairpersons helped register individuals with disabilities. As a result, all identified PWDs have been accounted for in the current update exercise.
Despite financial constraints limiting the availability of voter registration kits—resulting in only one kit per sub-county—officials are working closely with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to assist students who may have initially registered in different districts. This process, known as the Voter Mop-Up Exercise, aims to ensure that all eligible voters are correctly registered in their respective locations.
Latifu also issued a strong warning against individuals attempting to extort money from citizens seeking to verify their voter registration details. He reiterated that the entire exercise is free of charge, and anyone caught soliciting money will face strict legal action.
Although several challenges have been encountered during the exercise, the district is actively addressing them to ensure a smooth process. Latifu encouraged all residents of Ntungamo to participate in large numbers and take advantage of the update exercise before it concludes.