First-time voters in Kabarole District have expressed concern over the lack of sensitization, guidance, and voter education ahead of the 2026 General Elections. According to the Electoral Commission, over 3.58 million new voters have been added to the national register, raising the total number of registered voters from 18.1 million in 2021 to 21.68 million this year.
However, several new voters in Kabarole say they do not understand the procedures before, during, or after voting. Simon Nuwamanya, a first-time voter, said he does not know how to mark a ballot or the steps to follow once he is handed one.
Excited to exercise his voting rights, Nuwamanya expressed concern that, having never seen a ballot paper, he might make a mistake. He appealed to the government and relevant authorities to provide clear guidance ahead of polling day. Mushabe Kagangure, who has voted in previous elections, noted that even some experienced voters do not understand how to handle ballot papers properly, leading to mistakes that invalidate votes.
Residents are now calling on the Electoral Commission to intensify village-level sensitization campaigns to address these gaps. Aggrey Mucunguzi said the lack of guidance makes him uncertain about how to vote, while Janet Kansiime expressed confusion over whether voters are expected to remain at polling stations after casting their votes.
Rogers Kasoro, the Kabarole District Elections Officer, said the Electoral Commission is conducting voter education across villages, higher institutions of learning, markets, and places of worship to ensure voters understand the process. Kasoro added that they are also running radio programs and partnering with civil society organizations to reach more citizens.
Kihumuro Ainebyoona, Program Officer for Civic and Voter Education at Kabarole Research and Resource Center (KRC), said the organization works to raise awareness by educating citizens about their rights, responsibilities, electoral guidelines, and the roles of various stakeholders. KRC conducts radio talk shows, community meetings, and stakeholder dialogues to empower citizens to participate peacefully and meaningfully in elections.
However, Kihumuro noted challenges, particularly public skepticism toward civic-education activities. He said some people believe that, whether they vote or not, certain candidates are bound to win.
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