NIRA Kicks Off Mass National ID Enrollment with Over 100,000 Registrations on First Day
- Afri Careers
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Uganda’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has made a powerful start to its nationwide mass enrollment and ID renewal campaign, recording over 100,000 registrations on the first day alone. The exercise, which aims to register or renew the national identity cards of more than 33 million citizens, officially commenced on Tuesday and is being rolled out across all 10,594 parishes in Uganda.
NIRA Executive Director Rosemary Kisembo confirmed that by 3:30 p.m. on the first day, more than 100,000 pre-registrations had been recorded, despite some areas experiencing internet-related delays.
“The process has gone well. We did experience some slow internet speeds in certain locations, which affected pre-registration. However, this step can be completed at home to reduce time spent at registration centers,” said Kisembo.
To enhance efficiency, NIRA encourages urban residents to use the online pre-registration system, allowing individuals to fill in their personal data from the comfort of their homes before visiting centers solely for biometric capture. For ID renewals, applicants only need their National Identification Number (NIN), name, and ID expiry date.
New ID cards are expected to be ready within four weeks, with the turnaround time anticipated to improve as the system stabilizes.
Starting June 16, NIRA will begin handling changes and corrections to personal details and issuing IDs to 16-year-olds who already possess a NIN but have not yet received a physical card. This phase will last two months and will be followed by the registration of births, deaths, and non-citizens.
Each parish will be equipped with at least 10 biometric kits, with more assigned to densely populated areas. In total, 13,864 personnel and 5,666 biometric kits have been deployed. The exercise will operate on a rotational system, ensuring coverage of every community.
Upgraded IDs to Feature Enhanced Security and Digital Capabilities
The upgraded national IDs will incorporate four advanced security features:
Multiple laser images
Machine-readable zones
Quick Response (QR) codes with encrypted data access
2D barcodes for rapid verification
These features will support online and offline verification, digital signatures, access to e-government services, and mobile ID functionality.
Significant Government Investment in NIRA’s National ID Program
The government has allocated:
UGX 183 billion for printing 24 million cards
UGX 293 billion for systems and data center infrastructure
UGX 109 billion for staffing and logistics
Citizens can register or renew their national ID at their place of residence, birthplace, or previous registration center.
Local Leaders Rally Support in Namayingo District
The initiative was officially launched in Namayingo District by the local security committee and leadership, led by Resident District Commissioner Eva Kwesiga. District Chairperson Ronald Sanya lauded the government’s effort, highlighting the importance of valid IDs for accessing critical services.
“Many of our people have expired IDs, and this initiative is a timely intervention. I urge everyone to participate actively. Identification should not be hindered by religious beliefs — everyone deserves to be counted,” Sanya emphasized.
Resident Esther Nerima from Buhemba Sub-county expressed her appreciation for the free renewal service.
“My ID expired last year, and I feared I would have to pay. Learning that the service is free has lifted a huge burden off my shoulders,” she said.
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