VLS rollout underway as Uganda reinforces election readiness
As Uganda gears up for the 2026 General Elections, the country’s Electoral Commission (EC) has begun issuing Voter Location Slips (VLS) to voters nationwide. The move marks a deliberate step in the EC’s preparations, designed to streamline the voting process, reduce queues at polling stations, and ensure voters are clearly guided to their designated locations on election day. The VLS serve as a practical tool to verify a voter’s registration data and provide precise polling venue information, helping to minimize confusion and administrative delays at the polls.
The distribution of VLS is being conducted in a phased manner across districts, with officials emphasizing that the slips are part of standard voter education and logistics planning. In addition to simplifying the day-of-election experience for registered voters, the VLS reinforce the integrity of the electoral process by clearly linking each voter to the correct polling station and ward. Observers and civil society partners have welcomed the move as a tangible step toward transparency and efficiency in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections.
Biometric kits: reassurances around reliability and readiness
Concurrent with the VLS rollout, the EC is conducting demonstrations and testing related to biometric voter verification equipment. Officials say biometric kits are undergoing routine checks to confirm accuracy, reliability, and resilience in different regional conditions. These reassurances come amid heightened scrutiny of biometric systems, which are intended to guard against impersonation and duplicate voting while expediting verification at polling centers.
EC representatives emphasized that biometric devices will be deployed only after confirming their operational readiness, ensuring that inspectors, polling staff, and voters experience minimal disruptions on election day. By showcasing the verification process publicly, the EC aims to build trust among stakeholders, including political parties, observers, and the general public. The emphasis remains on privacy safeguards, proper handling of biometric data, and strict adherence to established protocols for data management.
What voters should know before election day
For voters, the most immediate takeaway is clarity about where to vote. The VLS include essential details such as the registered polling station, ward, and a QR-coded reference that can streamline check-ins. The EC has reiterated that voters should carry their VLS to the polling venue and present them to polling staff as part of the verification process. While the slips provide location information, voters should also be prepared to present valid identification as required by the electoral guidelines.
Voters who have moved or changed their registration should verify their details well ahead of time. The EC encourages those with questions about their voting location to consult the official voter education portals or contact local electoral offices. Information campaigns, community outreach events, and hotlines are being deployed to answer inquiries and address any discrepancies in registration data before the elections.
Implications for 2026: efficiency, accessibility, and trust
The introduction of VLS, coupled with robust biometric verification planning, signals a concerted effort to modernize Uganda’s electoral workflow while preserving accessibility for all eligible voters. By reducing confusion at polling sites and providing a clear, verifiable path to casting a ballot, the EC hopes to encourage higher participation and a smoother voting experience for the electorate. Civil society groups have specifically highlighted the importance of ongoing voter education to ensure that all citizens understand how to use the VLS and what to expect from biometric verification.
As Uganda advances toward the 2026 General Elections, the EC’s dual focus on practical voter logistics (VLS) and secure biometric systems reflects a broader trend in electoral management: combining user-centric processes with rigorous safeguards to maintain integrity, trust, and inclusivity. Stakeholders will continue to monitor the rollout, assess stakeholder feedback, and adjust outreach and technical measures to ensure a credible and peaceful electoral process.
