The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) is preparing to conduct its second mass enrollment and renewal of National Identification Cards (IDs). Scheduled to commence on June 1 and conclude on September 30, 2025, this initiative encompasses the registration of new citizens and the renewal of existing ID cards.
In anticipation of this extensive undertaking, NIRA officials have initiated stakeholder engagements at the district level to raise awareness among citizens about the forthcoming enrollment and renewal processes. The State Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen David Muhoozi, recently presided over one such engagement at the Luwero Apartments Hotel in Luwero District, which involved leaders from Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts.
Minister Muhoozi emphasized the significance of this endeavor, noting that approximately 17.2 million individuals are awaiting registration, while 15.8 million ID cards issued in 2014/2015 are due for renewal by 2025. The renewal process is expected to be completed within eight months at the parish level.
The overarching objectives of this exercise include facilitating identification for national planning, enhancing national security, improving service delivery, optimizing revenue collection, preserving and protecting citizenship, managing migration, among others.
However, local leaders in Luwero expressed concerns about the increasing number of refugees, particularly Sudanese individuals, allegedly obtaining IDs through illicit means. To address these concerns, Sheikh Ramadan Mulindwa, the Luwero District Khadi, urged NIRA to exercise vigilance and prevent fraudulent registrations.
Similarly, Mr. Ignatius Koomu, the Nakaseke District Chairperson, highlighted challenges related to misplaced documents required for the enrollment and renewal process, calling for patience and understanding from participants.
Despite facing challenges such as delayed supplies, NIRA Executive Director, Ms. Rosemary Kisembo, affirmed the Authority’s commitment to commencing the exercise. She disclosed that the initiative is projected to cost over Shs600 billion and emphasized that enrollment and renewal services are free of charge, except for individuals updating their particulars or replacing lost IDs, who are required to pay a fee of Shs200,000.
Furthermore, NIRA plans to offer online enrollment and renewal services, followed by biometric data capture at designated enrollment sites to ensure accessibility and efficiency for applicants.
