The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has taken a significant step toward National ID Renewal exercise. This will be the upcoming mass renewal and registration exercise for national identification cards. With the first batch of registration kits delivered, preparations are well underway to address the expiration of the initial set of IDs issued in 2014 and 2015, which are set to expire by June 2025.
When will National ID Renewal Begin?
On December 28, 2024, NIRA received its first shipment of 1,000 registration kits at Entebbe International Airport. The delivery marks the beginning of a process that aims to ensure Ugandans are issued updated identification cards. Maj Gen Apollo Kasiita-Gowa, Director of the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control and a member of the NIRA board, received the equipment alongside Ms Benny Namugwanya Bugembe, NIRA board vice chairperson, and Ms Rosemary Kisembo, the Executive Director.
Speaking at the event, Maj Gen Kasiita-Gowa expressed his optimism about the smooth execution of the exercise, noting the significance of the milestone. “We are excited to have received the first batch of 1,000 kits out of the total 5,665 kits expected. The remaining kits are scheduled to arrive between January 7 and 15, 2025,” he announced.
What challenges has NIRA faced?
Maj Gen Kasiita-Gowa acknowledged that the festive season had caused delays in the supply chain. However, he commended the joint efforts of various government institutions, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Internal Security Organisation, and the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, for their contributions to ensuring the smooth preparation of the Mass Enrollment and Renewal (MER) exercise.
The equipment is part of the new National Security Information System (NSIS), which was contracted on July 8, 2024. It includes a new data center, updated software, and registration kits, all designed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the registration process.
Do we expect any exercise to begin?
Ms Rosemary Kisembo, NIRA’s Executive Director, expressed her gratitude and excitement about the progress made. “We have been praying for this day to come, and finally, God has answered our prayers. We want to assure Ugandans that NIRA is now ready to kick off the exercise,” she said.
The MER exercise aims to address the expiration of the initial national IDs and provide a streamlined process for citizens to renew or register for the updated cards.
When were the first National IDs issued?
The first set of national identification cards was issued between 2014 and 2015 with a validity period of 10 years. With the expiry date drawing near, the upcoming mass registration exercise ensures that all citizens remain compliant with identification requirements.
The arrival of the first batch of kits signifies the beginning of an essential nationwide effort, and NIRA has assured the public of its readiness to implement the process efficiently.
