The newspaper reports that the massive breakdown of the biometric machines during Thursday’s presidential and parliamentary elections was likely triggered by the nationwide internet shutdown ordered ahead of the polls.
The decision, which authorities said was meant to safeguard national security, appears to have backfired by crippling key electoral technology relied upon to verify voters.
As a result, thousands of polling stations across the country were forced to revert to manual voter verification, leading to delays, confusion, and frustration among voters.
In some areas, voting began several hours late, while in others the process was temporarily halted as election officials attempted to fix or replace malfunctioning kits.
Election observers and opposition figures have described the incident as one of the most costly mistakes of the election, arguing that the failure rendered expensive technology useless.
The Daily Monitor notes that the BVVKs, procured using public funds estimated at Shs150 billion, were effectively wasted after becoming inoperable at the most critical moment.
Critics have placed the blame on President Yoweri Museveni’s administration, saying the internet shutdown was poorly planned and undermined the efficiency and credibility of the electoral process.
They argue that biometric systems depend on digital connectivity, making the shutdown incompatible with the technology deployed.
The Electoral Commission has acknowledged the challenges but maintained that the election proceeded within the law, insisting that manual verification is an acceptable alternative under Uganda’s electoral regulations.
The biometric mess has reignited debate on election preparedness, public spending, and governance as Uganda awaits final results from one of its most closely watched elections.
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