RUKIGA, UGANDA – The Electoral Commission (EC) will deploy two Biometric Voter Verification Kits (BVVKs) at each polling station, with additional units on standby for immediate support on polling days.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The enhanced measure was confirmed by Rukiga District Returning Officer, Ms. Rebecca Mbabazi, in an exclusive interview at the district EC offices on Friday, following the receipt of critical polling materials.
Mbabazi stated that the allocation of an extra BVVK machine is a measure designed to create a robust and fault-tolerant verification process, minimizing delays and bolstering voter confidence.
She confirmed the receipt of 167 sealed black boxes containing ballot papers for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections scheduled for January 15, 2026. She expressed full readiness for the electoral exercise.
“We will station two BVVK units at every polling station. Every voter will undergo biometric verification before casting their ballot. We have secured assurances from district officials for the transportation of materials on election day, and security forces are prepared to collaborate with us to ensure a smooth and orderly process,” affirmed Mbabazi.
The returning officer added that the dispatch of materials to polling centers will be conducted under security escort, adding a layer of protection to the electoral logistics chain.
The receipt of 167 dedicated black ballot boxes for all polling stations in the district was a transparent event, witnessed by district stakeholders, security organs, and several aspirants’ agents.
Among the observers was Parliamentary Aspirant Hon. Dr. Benita Rumanzi, who expressed his appreciation for the EC’s detailed preparatory efforts ahead of the elections.
However, Dr. Rumanzi reported concerning campaign disruptions, alleging that rivals had deployed goons to confiscate and destroy campaign materials like posters and billboards.
Also present was Ms. Ninsiima Moreen, Personal Assistant to Woman MP Aspirant Hon. Dr. Sylvia Alinaitwe Arineitwe, who confirmed witnessing the sealed ballot boxes.
The dispatch of polling materials to Rukiga is part of a broader national exercise launched Thursday by Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, who flagged off the first phase to 12 districts.
The materials are designated for use in the Presidential, Directly Elected Member of Parliament, and District Woman Member of Parliament elections.
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