Uganda’s Mass National ID Renewal and Registration Kicks Off May 27: Everything You Need to Know
- Afri Careers
- May 6
- 2 min read
Updated: May 7
Kampala, Uganda — The Ministry of Internal Affairs has officially announced that Uganda’s mass national ID enrollment and renewal exercise will begin on May 27, 2025. This long-anticipated initiative, led by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), is aimed at updating expired ID cards and registering Ugandans who were previously unregistered.
What’s Happening?
The nationwide campaign will be conducted in all 146 administrative districts, with teams deployed at the parish level. According to State Minister for Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi, the exercise is vital to maintaining an up-to-date National Identification Register, which underpins access to essential public services.
Pilot Phase Already Underway
A pilot phase began on May 2, 2025, targeting top officials at NIRA and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This phase will continue until May 26, allowing other government agencies, like the Electoral Commission, to finalize voter display activities before the public rollout.
Massive Targets Ahead
NIRA aims to:
Renew 15.8 million IDs that have expired or are set to expire by June 2025.
Register 17.2 million new applicants, bringing the national ID total to over 33 million.
Uganda’s first generation of ID cards was issued between 2014 and 2015, meaning most cards have now reached expiration.
New Technology and Resources
To support the operation, the government has invested significantly in logistics and technology:
5,665 biometric registration kits, distributed nationwide.
Two card printing machines capable of producing 100,000 laser-engraved cards daily.
A new National Security Information System developed by Tahaluf Al Emarat Technical Solutions, featuring:
Online pre-registration portals,
Enhanced biometric capture, including iris scans.
The system is now powered by MOSIP (Modular Open Source Identification Platform) for improved data handling and scalability.
What You Need to Renew Your ID
Renewal is free for expired cards and first-time registrants. To renew, you must present:
Your expired ID (original or photocopy), or
A valid police report in case the ID was lost or stolen.
Your National Identification Number (NIN) and other biographic details will remain unchanged. If you need to correct personal information like name, birthdate, or parentage, you must apply separately under the change of particulars process.
For Children Under 18
Children below 18 years can also be registered during this exercise. Required documents include:
A photocopy of one parent’s national ID, or
If unavailable, ID documentation from a grandparent or close blood relative.
When Will You Get Your New Card?
New or renewed IDs will be processed and delivered within four weeks, with expectations to shorten this to two weeks as systems become more efficient.
Important Note: Paid Services
While basic renewal and new registration are free, replacements for lost cards and corrections to biographic data will attract a service fee.
Final Word
NIRA’s Executive Director, Rosemary Kisembo, confirmed that the government has provided the necessary funding and infrastructure to ensure a smooth process. “Citizens will also be allowed to update their place of residence, but any changes to other personal information must go through a formal application,” she said.
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