VOCAL Africa has alleged that Uganda's voter register contains names of deceased persons while excluding legitimate voters, raising fresh concerns as the country heads to the polls on January 15, 2026.
The group argued that the Electoral Commission of Uganda is incapable of delivering a credible poll, alleging that the voter register is riddled with duplicate entries and has inexplicably excluded large numbers of young people and opposition supporters.
"The register is riddled with discrepancies, including deceased persons and the disappearance of legitimate voters, particularly youth and opposition supporters," the coalition stated.
VOCAL Africa, which had sought observer status for Uganda’s forthcoming election scheduled for January 15, 2026, has condemned what it describes as state-sponsored repression, accusing authorities of undermining democratic space ahead of the vote.
The group accused the Electoral Commission (EC) of issuing illegal orders forcing citizens to leave polling stations after voting, despite laws allowing them to remain.
Over 20 National Unity Platform (NUP) candidates have been disqualified months into their campaigns, while 20 NRM candidates secured unopposed victories through what the group calls fraudulent denominations.
The commission also delayed sharing the final voter register until the last minute, making audits nearly impossible.
"What is unfolding is not a democratic exercise, but a state-sponsored campaign of repression designed to subvert the will of the Ugandan people," the coalition declared.
Polling centres located within military and police barracks are reported to be in operation, even as independent observers face restricted access to these facilities.
VOCAL Africa revealed that the biometric voter verification technology was procured without proper legislation, raising further concerns about the electoral process.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni previously alleged that shortcomings by the electoral commission during the 2021 polls cost him as many as 2.7 million votes.
The group further denounced the internet shutdown ordered by the Uganda Communications Commission, saying the move has blocked access to social media, messaging platforms, and personal emails nationwide and was intended to conceal planned atrocities from the public, police, and the army.
