Joy Diane Israel

Female

[Joy Diane Israel @JoyOkono]

This applies to men too.

[Charlotte Asaaba @AsaabaCharlotte]

Marriage is not for every woman. If you're too big to respect a man, stay single. Marriage is only for well behaved women. Period.

[Joy Diane Israel @JoyOkono]

Child abuse must stop. Our children are not vessels of homosexuality.

[Joy Diane Israel @JoyOkono]

The idea of the nearest voter update station is not working. @UgandaEC officials are chasing away people from update centres.

[AFRICAN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT LINK (AYDL) @AYDLinkUg]

Gwe Genz
You have only 4 days left!

Tovimba nnyo this weekend nga toli ku Voters Register!

Visit your nearest Update Station before 10th February and update your voter details.

#Tosigalira

#VoterUpdateUg #VoterReadyUg #EcRoadMap2026

[Joy Diane Israel @JoyOkono]

@UgandaEC Is this voter updating process intended to frastrate potential voters? Something is really fishy.

[Joy Diane Israel @JoyOkono]

Why has Electronic Commission made voter updating process very unrealistic and cost inefficient? Why should a person planning to transfer voting details be demanded to travel miles to update in their desirable location of voting? Is this a deliberate move to frastrate voters?

[Joy Diane Israel @JoyOkono]

Why has Electronic Commission made voter updating process very unrealistic and cost inefficient? Why should a person planning to transfer voting details be demanded to travel miles to update in their desirable location of voting? Is this a deliberate move to frastrate voters?

[The Electoral Commission - Uganda @UgandaEC]

STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION, JUSTICE BYABAKAMA MUGENYI SIMON, ON THE ONGOING GENERAL UPDATE OF THE NATIONAL VOTERS REGISTER, FRIDAY 24TH JANUARY 2025

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, the fourth estate, good morning and Happy New Year.

On behalf of the Commission, I welcome you to this press conference where we wish to update the country about the ongoing important exercise of the General Update of the National Voters Register.

I wish to express our appreciation as the Commission for the role you play in the entire electoral process, of raising awareness, providing information, mobilising the population to participate, and also raising issues that require attention by all key stakeholders to ensure that Ugandans have free, fair, and peaceful elections. The Commission considers, you, and the media as critical partners in every step of implementing the General Elections Roadmap.

Progress of the Exercise for General Update of the National Voters Register
On Monday, 20thJanuary 2025, the Electoral Commission commenced the exercise of the General Update of the National Voters Register. This is done in compliance with Article 61 (1)(e) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, and Section 20 of the Electoral Commission Act (Cap 176).

I wish to emphasise that the purpose of this general update exercise is to enable eligible Ugandan citizens of 18 years and above, who are not yet registered as voters, to do so. The person intending to register as a voter is required to turn up in person at an update centre in his/her parish of residence or origin, to provide his/her details, have their photograph taken, and the signature and fingerprints captured.

The exercise is also meant to enable registered voters who wish to transfer to new voting locations, to apply for such transfer. A voter who wishes to transfer to a new voting location must present confirmation that he/she originates from or is, at the time of application for transfer, a resident of the Parish of that (new) voting location. Such applicants are required to present details of their previous voting location. A person who wishes to apply for transfer of his or her voting location is free to present himself/herself at any of the update centres.

During this exercise, registered voters are able to check and confirm that their particulars are correct and that they appear on the Voters Register at the voting locations that they indicated during registration. The exercise will further enable registered voters to confirm the accuracy of their particulars on the Voters Register and correct any error(s) that may be identified in their details on the Register. To facilitate this confirmation, the Commission is availing the Register of each polling station at each update station within the respective Parish/Ward.

At the same time, registered voters can also verify their voting details from the Electoral Commission website: https://t.co/R3gzXsKqze.

For clarity, registered voters may only make necessary corrections regarding spelling mistakes, gender, and a mismatch of the photograph, as the case may be. Such voters will not be able to make changes to their age/date of birth or include (new) additional names.

Finally, this exercise is will enable students who were registered by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) at school during the learners project, and have since attained the age of 18 years to present their particulars, that is, the National Identification Number (NIN), for updating and assignment of a polling station within their parish of residence or origin.

The General Update of the National Voters Register is being conducted at update stations throughout Uganda every day, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, including weekends.

During this exercise, the Commission is compiling and updating the Voters Registers for Special Interest Groups, namely:
a) The National Youths Voters Register for election of Youth Councils and Committees;
b) The National PWDs Voters Register for the election of PWD Councils and Committees;
c) The National Older Persons Voters Register for election of Older Persons Councils and Committees.

I wish to inform Ugandans that the cut- off date for this exercise is 10th February 2025.

The Commission would like to appeal to eligible citizens to use this opportunity to register as to exercise their fundamental right, enshrined in Article 59 of the Constitution to vote and elect their leaders.

As we have always emphasized, the only way a citizen can vote, contest an elective position, support the nomination of a candidate, become an agent of a candidate, or bring a petition on any election-related matter, is first and foremost to be a registered voter appearing on the National Voters Register. This explains the importance of the update exercise.

Management of emerging issues
The Commission is cognizant of the challenges that have been identified in these first days of the exercise, which include the following:

a) Adequacy and functionality of the registration kits
Concerning the adequacy of kits allocated for the exercise, the Commission is conducting the exercise using kits provided by the National Identification and Registration Authorities (NIRA). The total number of kits deployed for this exercise is 2,703 kits. Our need was 5,000 kits. The distribution has been made based on the sub counties, except for Kampala Capital, Wakiso, and Mukono districts, which have been allocated additional kits per ward/parish.
Our update officials and supervisors are providing a schedule on the rotation and movement of the kits, and informing the people of when and where the kit will be on a particular day to ensure coverage of the target population. The update teams are supported by technical teams (trouble-shooters) that respond to machine issues, e.g. malfunctions, as and when they arise.

Some technical problems (faulty machines) have been reported in some stations. The equipment being used was first procured for the 2014/2015 mass enrolment (registration) exercise, under the National Security Information System (NSIS) Project, the predecessor of NIRA. This explains the reported cases of breakdowns. Our teams are on standby to respond to any reported malfunction.

The Commission has established a system for receiving and handling complaints arising out of the exercise. This includes establishment of a Query/Complaints Desk at the Electoral Commission Headquarters, that receives and responds to complaints and emerging issues.

b) The role of security agencies during the registration exercise
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. We wish to guide that this applies to first-time applicants, and is based on the need to verify citizenship. Please note that only verified citizens qualify to be on the Voters Register and the agency responsible for ascertaining citizenship is NIRA.

The Electoral Commission has engaged the leadership of Uganda Police and the sister security agencies to facilitate the new applicants with such letters to complete their applications.

c) Concerning the turnout for the exercise
There has been concern about the number of persons turning out for the update exercise, which has been described as low. The statistics we are receiving indicate that the exercise is on course as per the objectives and the target applicants.

We wish to inform the country that this is not a mass registration of all eligible voters, as the majority of Ugandan voting population is already on the Register.

It is also important to note that a considerable number of voters have been checking and confirming their particulars using our online portal (https://t.co/XYfSfUyZIk), hence there is no need to have long queues at update centres.

The Commission is confident that with the mechanisms put in place to address them, and with the heightened awareness created by our teams that are based at the parish level who are mobilising the communities on the operational plans, regarding venues and time and requirements for completing the exercise, we will be able to complete this exercise successfully in the time allocated.

Preparations for Parliamentary and Local Government Council By-elections in Kawempe Division North
The Commission, on 15th January, 2025, received notification from the Clerk to Parliament about the vacancy for the Directly Elected Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North, following the death of Hon. Ssegirinya Muhammad on 9th January 2025.

As provided under the Law, the Commission will conduct a by-election in Kawempe Division North for the Member of Parliament, and will also use the occasion to conduct a by-election for the Directly Elected Councillor for Kazo-Angola Ward, Kawempe Division.

The Commission has already approved the program which will be shared with all stakeholders on 27th January 2025. The media will be invited to this stakeholders meeting.

Conclusion
The Commission would like to thank all stakeholders—political parties, civil society groups, the media, religious leaders, cultural leaders, LC 1 Chairpersons and all opinion leaders at all levels for the support they are providing to the General Update exercise. We call on them to continue with this support to enable the country compile a credible and clean National Voters Register.

#VoterUpdateUG

[Joy Diane Israel @JoyOkono]

Well said. Let us not punish people for choices they never never made.

[Nakut Faith Loru Chuna @faithchuna1]

Being a Karamojong lady, I can testify I've suffered all types of stereotypes as a student and as an adult job seeker, we've always been rediculed for being who we are.

After university, I applied for at least three jobs per week. After many attempts I got shortlisted for a banker position. We were very many, we did aptitude and I made it to the shortlist. We then did second phase and I made it again. We were asked to report for induction, I reported. On that date the employer asked to confirm where I came from. Unsuspecting and with a smile I said Karamoja. Immediately he told me to go back home and wait for a call. In less than 30 minutes later, I got a call saying that I had been shortlisted in error. Then the tears rolled my face profusely as though I had lost someone. That's how I decided to get back home to look for a job.

A few years later, I started enjoying the privilege of a recruiter but the heart hadn't healed of tribal mistreatment I had suffered. One day in an interview panel I asked a question in Ngikarimojong and I demanded an answer in Ngakarimojong, my bosses were okay with that. Yes I took a revenge on wrong people! Today I regret that action. Tribal discrimination meted on anyone, can potentially increase rage and a desire for revenge. This can be a source of insecurity!

No one should be punished over a tribe, something they have no control over. Let's fight tribalism in whichever way it manifests. @SpireJim

[Joy Diane Israel @JoyOkono]

Congratulations ACFODE. Your unwavering determination to tackle food insecurity which often hinders realisation of gender equality outcomes is encouraging. Keep the candle burning....

[Action for Development @acfode]

We have exciting news😻💃
Thread👇
ACFODE has taken oath as a new member organisation of the Food Rights Alliance, this was during the Food Rights Alliance (FRA)10th General meeting, held in Namirembe-Kampala.
1/5

[Joy Diane Israel @JoyOkono]

Dare to miss the beauty of Karamoja culture. If you are tired of reading stories written by others, Napak should be your destination this week. See you there...

[Explore Uganda 🇺🇬 @ExploreUganda]

Join us as we celebrate one of the richest and most preserved cultures in the world.

Come witness thrilling dance performances, rare traditional cuisines, and more.

This year's celebrations will be held in #Napak district.

#KaramojaCulturalFestival
#ExploreUganda

[Action for Development @acfode]

@acfode & Busoga Growers Cooperatives Union (BGCU) in Jinja have partnered for a transformative five-year project, empowering gender-inclusive programming & service delivery. @WeEffectEA

https://t.co/5DaydJqZsm

#GenderInclusivity #EmpoweredtoAct #E2A

[Joy Diane Israel @JoyOkono]

This is very unfortunate. God help Napak people.

[Nakut Faith Loru Chuna @faithchuna1]

Floods today in Nabwal Sub County, Napak District. From wild fires, to displacement by insecurity, now to displacement by floods. From one disaster to another, yet the people remain hopeful. Disaster risk scholars are welcome here, all samples are here. GOD Have Mercy🙆🏽‍♀🙆🏽‍♀.

[Climate Action Network International (CAN) @CANIntl]

"Nowhere experiences the bitter injustice of climate change like Africa. Despite contributing almost none of the greenhouse gasses that drive the climate crisis, we suffer its most brutal consequences – from the drought gripping the East to the shrinking Lake Chad in the West"

[Climate Action Network International (CAN) @CANIntl]

"Some climate change impacts, however, cannot be adapted to. This suffering needs to be addressed through what is called “loss and damage”, something for which the developing world has been calling for special financing."

[Joy Diane Israel @JoyOkono]

@newvisionwire Good idea, but they should upgrade the mortuaries and make access to treatment possible and affordable.

[Joy Diane Israel @JoyOkono]

Sure, this will not trend in a wicked and patriarchal society. But the media is better placed to make the difference if they decided to be bold about changing the narratives in thier spaces.

[Sudhir Byaruhanga @Sudhirntv]

That she won't trend because she is not naked!!!

[Nakut Faith Loru Chuna @faithchuna1]

My people of Napak, Karamoja, fellow citizens & colleagues in NRM fraternity, I've two messages for you this season:
1. Be your brothers keeper, don't cause harm to anyone.
2. Spend sparingly, the economy is still struggling.

A blessed Christmas to you, & a prosperous 2022.

[NTV UGANDA @ntvuganda]

Uganda’s daily average temperatures are on the rise as global studies indicate that heatwaves and large storms are becoming more frequent with human-induced climate change #NTVNews

https://t.co/pe1SgB3ugN

[Nakut Faith Loru Chuna @faithchuna1]

There is a Buganda saying "the owner of the dead body is the one who touches the most smelly parts". We the leadership of Napak & Kja @KjaParliament are committed to touch it to save our children from Traffickers cum Terrorists. #EndChildTraffickinginUg @KiimaTooma @lojokotau

[Joy Diane Israel @JoyOkono]

But under which legal framework are they doing this? Is vaccination now by force? How about the issue of consent?

[Daily Monitor @DailyMonitor]

VIDEO: Police and traffic officers under the command of Fort Portal RCC,Rodgers Mbabazi have set up checkpoints along Fort Portal-Kasese road intended to block unvaccinated passengers from accessing the city as they travel for the festive season.
#MonitorUpdates
🎥Alex Ashaba

[Joy Diane Israel @JoyOkono]

Absolutely. Discrimination should not be tolerated in whatever form. We all pay taxes.

[Nakut Faith Loru Chuna @faithchuna1]

Allocation of funds for previous USMID projects had huge gaps btn lowest & highest investment btn Moroto & sister municipalities. There has to be fairness in these allocations or atleast it sh'd be explainable. When we see signals of outright exclusion & malice, we won't go mute!

[Rise up Movement @Riseupmovt]

School strike for climate