Agency
The Electoral Commission (EC), has justified the decision to involve security agencies in the exercise of the General Update of the National Voters Register.
The directive requires applicants to through the community security structures, including Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), District Internal Security Officers (DISO) and Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISOs) for verification, and the commission has been under criticism following this directive.
Giving an update on the voters’ registration and verification process that kicked off on Monday last week, Justice Stephen Byabakama, the EC chairman acknowledged the criticism but said that it is a necessary safeguard.
He said that security agencies are uniquely positioned to confirm citizenship.
He clarified that security verification applies to first-time applicants and is based on the need to verify citizenship.
Byabakama added that already registered voters are not required to present any recommendation from security at the update centre.
There has been concern about the requirement for a recommendation from the Gombolola Internal Security Officer (GISO) and the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) to facilitate the application for registration.
Byabakama emphasized the importance of public vigilance, urging stakeholders to focus on mobilizing eligible voters and ensuring adherence to the process.