As Uganda advances toward the 2025/2026 General Elections, the Electoral Commission has placed integrity, accountability, and accuracy at the centre of the country’s democratic process through the nationwide deployment of the Biometric Voter Verification Kit (BVVK). This technology-driven initiative represents a deliberate and structured effort to protect the sanctity of the vote while reinforcing public trust in electoral outcomes.
At its core, the BVVK is a portable electronic device designed to verify a voter’s identity using biometric features such as fingerprints and facial recognition. By matching these physical characteristics against a secure voter database, the system ensures that only eligible, registered voters participate in the electoral process, and that each voter casts only one vote. This directly upholds the constitutional principle of one person, one vote, which remains the foundation of Uganda’s democratic order.
The introduction of biometric voter verification, first deployed during the 2016 General Elections and now enhanced with 109,142 improved kits for the 2025/2026 cycle, reflects the Commission’s long-term commitment to electoral credibility. The upgraded systems incorporate additional safeguards that strengthen accuracy, reduce human error, and close gaps that could otherwise be exploited for electoral malpractice.
From the opening of polling stations to the final declaration of results, the BVVK is integrated into every critical stage of the voting process. Before polls open, the system authenticates polling officials and confirms the legitimacy of the polling station through secure QR code verification. Ballot papers assigned to each station are digitally recognised, ensuring that only authorised ballots are issued and later counted. This level of traceability introduces a new standard of accountability in election management.
For voters, biometric verification is mandatory before a ballot is issued. Whether through fingerprints or facial recognition, the process ensures fairness while remaining inclusive, with alternative verification methods available where fingerprints are unavailable or of low quality. Importantly, the system is designed to preserve the secrecy of the ballot. Voter identity data and ballot information are stored separately, making it impossible to link a voter to their electoral choice, in full compliance with the law.
Beyond voting, the BVVK continues to play a role after polls close. All cast ballots are scanned and verified to confirm their authenticity before counting begins. Any unverifiable ballots are isolated and formally recorded, providing a transparent mechanism for detecting and documenting irregularities. This post-ballot verification process reinforces confidence in the results and provides an auditable trail that can withstand scrutiny.
The scanning and digital submission of Results Declaration forms and ballot accountability records further enhances transparency. These digital backups support returning officers and electoral supervisors in validating results and resolving disputes, ensuring that the final outcomes reflect the true will of the electorate.
Crucially, this initiative is not only about technology, but about democratic sustainability. The Electoral Commission has invested in comprehensive training for election officials at all levels and continues to engage stakeholders through public demonstrations and voter education. These efforts demystify the system, encourage citizen participation, and promote shared ownership of the electoral process.
In appealing to Ugandans to embrace biometric voter verification, the Commission underscores a broader vision: a peaceful, credible, and inclusive democratic journey where every vote counts and every citizen’s voice matters. By integrating integrity, accountability, and accuracy into the mechanics of voting, Uganda is strengthening the social contract between the state and its people.
As the country approaches the General Elections, the BVVK stands as both a technological safeguard and a democratic statement, affirming that Uganda’s electoral process is evolving, resilient, and firmly anchored in the will of its citizens.
