DF Expresses Discontent With Importation Of Elections’ Biometric Gadgets Without Enabling Law

The Democratic Front (DF) President Mathias Mpuuga is expressing strong discontent with the recent decision to import Biometric Gadgets intended for use as Electronic Voter Identifiers (EVIs) in the upcoming 2026 general elections.

This concern is centered around the lack of an enabling law to govern the operation of these gadgets, a situation that has raised alarms about transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

During a one-day post-nomination training and orientation for DF parliamentary candidates held at the party’s headquarters in Namirembe, DF President addressed the potential risks associated with conducting elections without clarity on the voters’ register.

He highlighted the confusion surrounding whether the Electoral Commission (EC) would utilize a manual or electronic register, intensifying worries about possible electoral malpractice.

Mpuuga emphasized that the decision to import these gadgets without consulting relevant stakeholders is incredibly troubling.

“We are entering an election casino where people’s rights might be gambled away,” he warned, stressing that such a scenario breeds an environment conducive to electoral malpractice, with EC officials reportedly lacking familiarity with the new technology.

He further criticized certain opposition factions who were hell-bent to block the vital electoral and constitutional reforms as had been presented by the DF.

“These reforms are crucial for ensuring that all political actors are involved in creating a system that upholds the integrity of the electoral process,” said Mpuuga, underlining the importance of collaboration and dialogue among all political players.

Mpuuga’s remarks serve to validate the DF’s long-standing call for minimum electoral reforms, but the push fell on deaf ears.

“We are not celebrating the ignorance of other political actors; rather, we urge them to listen and engage with the issues at hand before dismissing them,” he stated, pointing out that proactive engagement is essential for effective governance.

With the importation of the biometric gadgets, Mpuuga expressed concern that both the EC, and the stakeholders have not grasped the technology’s intricacies to this date.

“No one has been involved in verifying the software’s efficacy and reliability,” he noted, urging the EC to clarify the steps being taken to ensure that these gadgets meet established standards.

The DF’s call to action is clear: the party insists that the Electoral Commission must ensure transparency and stakeholder involvement in the implementation process of these new tools. Mpuuga has reiterated that the health of the electoral process depends on the collective commitment of all political participants to safeguard the rights of the citizens during elections.