NIRA Targets School Children to Register 17 Million Ugandans

When is NIRA starting to register School Children?

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has announced a bold plan to register school children across Uganda starting late July, as part of a mass nationwide campaign to document 17 million unregistered citizens. The initiative, which kicked off on May 27, 2025, at KCCA Central Division, aims to address the significant gap in first-time registrations, officials said Monday.

NIRA registrar Claire Ollama told reporters in Kampala that while the campaign has processed 5.3 million ID renewals since May, first-time registrations are falling behind. “The purpose of this mass exercise is to register the unregistered – about 17 million Ugandans. That target is not being met,” she said. With nearly half of Uganda’s 45.9 million population aged under 18, according to 2024 government data, NIRA is now turning to schools to boost enrollment.

“Schools were not part of our original delivery model, but we are forced to adapt. They provide an organized and accessible structure,” Ollama explained, noting that registration data collected from schools will be seamlessly integrated into Uganda’s national identification system.

How to use NIRA Pre-Registration Portal 2025 for ID Renewal

How will NIRA get Parental Consent to register school children and get Legal Safeguards?

To ensure compliance, parents must fill and sign consent forms for their children, distributed through schools or directly to households. Teachers are strictly prohibited from completing these forms on behalf of parents to maintain data integrity. For boarding school students, parents can access NIRA’s online portal, complete a pre-registration form, and send it to the school for submission.

Ollama emphasized the long-term benefits of registering children under their parents’ National Identification Number (NIN). “Many Ugandans acquire land for their children, but without proper documentation, that property is easily taken. Linking a child to their parent’s NIN secures their legal identity and future claims,” she said, highlighting how this measure will help reduce family disputes over inheritance, particularly land.

What will be required to Update Personal Information?

Starting July 21, NIRA will allow Ugandans to update personal details during the renewal process, including name changes due to marriage or religious conversion, at a cost of Shs200,000. “If the error originated from NIRA, it will be corrected at no cost. But for personal changes, like adopting a religious name, legal documents and the fee are required,” Ollama clarified.

Banyarwanda Eligibility Addressed
Responding to public concerns about the registration of the Banyarwanda community, Ollama reaffirmed their eligibility as one of Uganda’s 65 indigenous tribes. “If you can trace your ancestry to Uganda before 1926 and local authorities verify you, there’s no problem with registration. People often confuse Rwandese with Banyarwanda of Uganda, which is incorrect,” she said, seeking to dispel misinformation.

Warnings Against Misuse and Corruption
NIRA issued a stern warning against lending national ID numbers for registering SIM cards or bank accounts on behalf of others, including domestic workers or friends. “This has led to criminal exposure, financial fraud, and poor credit scores. You’re legally responsible for any activity tied to your NIN,” the agency stated.

Amid rising reports of corruption, NIRA reminded the public that all registration services are free and urged citizens to provide evidence when reporting extortion. Four NIRA officials in Kassanda District have already been arrested for alleged bribery during the registration exercise, signaling the agency’s commitment to tackling misconduct.

With Uganda’s population exceeding 45 million, NIRA’s school-based registration drive represents a critical effort to ensure every citizen is documented, safeguarding their legal identity, rights, and future. The public is encouraged to participate actively to meet the ambitious target of registering all undocumented Ugandans.

Below is the complete, consolidated guide combining the original detailed guide on registering children and babies for National Identification Numbers (NINs) in Uganda with the additional information sourced from the web and X posts. This content is designed to be added to the Kampala Edge Times article as a new section, providing practical, comprehensive guidance for Ugandan parents without repeating the content of the previous news article. It includes all eligibility criteria, requirements, steps, special considerations for babies, and newly added tips to address common concerns and enhance accessibility. The text is ready for you to copy and integrate into the article.

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How to Register Your Child for a NIN: A Step-by-Step Guide

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) in Uganda is intensifying efforts to register all citizens, including children, for National Identification Numbers (NINs) to ensure legal identity and access to services. Below is a comprehensive guide on registering children, including babies, for NINs, detailing eligibility, requirements, step-by-step procedures, and additional tips to address common concerns.

Eligibility for Child Registration

• Age: There is no minimum age for registering for a NIN in Uganda. Children, including newborns, can be enrolled for a NIN, though issuance of a physical National ID card is reserved for citizens aged 16 and above.
• Citizenship: Only Ugandan citizens are eligible. Citizenship can be established through:
• Birth in Uganda to at least one Ugandan parent.
• Ancestry tracing back to Uganda before 1926, verified by local authorities (e.g., for Banyarwanda).
• Parental Linkage: Children must be registered under a parent’s or legal guardian’s NIN to establish identity and protect rights, such as inheritance.

Requirements for Registering Children

To register a child for a NIN, parents or legal guardians must provide the following:

1. Parent’s National ID or NIN:

• A photocopy of at least one parent’s National ID or NIN is required to link the child’s identity to the parent.
• If neither parent has a NIN, they must first register themselves at a NIRA office.

1. Consent Form (Form 3):

• Parents must complete and sign Form 3, a consent form provided by NIRA, available at schools, NIRA offices, or online via the NIRA pre-registration portal.
• For boarding school students, parents can submit the form digitally through the NIRA portal or send it to the school for submission.

1. Biometric Data:

• Children must be physically present for biometric capturing, which includes fingerprints and photographs. For babies, NIRA captures available biometrics, such as facial images, as fingerprints may not be feasible.

1. Supporting Documents (if applicable):

• Birth certificate (recommended but not mandatory, as NIRA aims to register all citizens regardless of documentation status).
• School enrollment records or a letter from the school (for school-based registration).
• For orphans or children under legal guardianship, a court order or letter from a recognized authority (e.g., local council) verifying guardianship.

1. No Fees:

• Registration for a NIN is free for all first-time applicants, including children.

Steps to Register a Child for a NIN

1. Gather Required Documents:

• Obtain a photocopy of the parent’s National ID or NIN.
• Download or collect Form 3 from a NIRA office, school, or the NIRA website (www.nira.go.ug).

1. Complete the Consent Form:

• Fill out Form 3 with accurate details about the child and parent. Ensure the form is signed by the parent or legal guardian. Teachers are not permitted to complete this form.

1. Visit a Registration Center:

• Take the child to a NIRA office, designated registration center, or school (during the school-based registration drive starting late July 2025).
• For school-based registration, schools will distribute forms and coordinate with NIRA for biometric capturing. Parents should confirm with the school administration.

1. Biometric Capturing:

• Present the child for biometric data collection. NIRA officials will capture fingerprints (for older children) and photographs. For babies, only facial images may be taken due to underdeveloped fingerprints.

1. Submit Application:

• Submit the completed Form 3 and supporting documents at the registration point. For boarding school students, parents can upload the form via the NIRA pre-registration portal (www.nira.go.ug) and send it to the school for final submission.

1. Receive NIN Confirmation:

• After processing, NIRA will issue a NIN for the child, which can be used for legal and administrative purposes. Parents will be notified via SMS or can check the status online.

1. Collect National ID (if applicable):

• Children aged 16 and above will receive a physical National ID card after NIN issuance. Younger children receive only a NIN, which can be used until they reach 16.

Special Considerations for Registering Babies

Registering newborns and infants presents unique challenges, but NIRA has adapted its processes to accommodate them:

• Biometric Challenges:
• Babies’ fingerprints are often too small or underdeveloped for capturing. NIRA relies primarily on facial photographs for biometric data. In some cases, footprint scans may be attempted, but this is not mandatory.
• Parental Presence:
• At least one parent must be present during registration to provide their NIN and sign the consent form. If parents are unavailable, a legal guardian with a valid NIN and court documentation can register the baby.
• Birth Notification:
• While a birth certificate is helpful, babies can be registered with a hospital birth notification or a letter from a local council (LC1) confirming the birth. NIRA’s goal is to ensure no child is excluded due to lack of formal documentation.
• Registration Locations:
• For babies, parents should visit NIRA offices or designated health facilities where registration services are offered, as school-based drives are not applicable. Some hospitals collaborate with NIRA to register newborns at birth.
• Timing:
• Parents are encouraged to register babies as early as possible to secure their legal identity, especially for accessing healthcare, education, and future inheritance rights.

Essential Tips and Updates for Registering School Children and Babies for NINs

• Registration Timeline and Urgency:
• The mass enrollment and renewal exercise, targeting 17.2 million unregistered Ugandans and 15.8 million ID renewals, is set to run for 6–10 months from May 27, 2025, with a deadline of August 12, 2025, for expired IDs to remain valid. Parents are urged to register children early to avoid last-minute rushes, especially as processing may take up to four weeks initially but is expected to reduce to two weeks as systems stabilize.
• For children turning 18 by January 2026, registration is critical to ensure eligibility for voting in the 2026 elections.
• Accessibility for Rural and Vulnerable Groups:
• NIRA is deploying 5,665 biometric registration kits across 10,594 parishes, ensuring coverage in all 146 districts. Registration points are set up at parish levels, operating Monday to Saturday, with a minimum of 10 kits per parish depending on demand. Parents in rural areas should contact their local council (LC1) or district NIRA office for schedules.
• Special attention is given to vulnerable groups, including breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), who receive priority at registration centers. For example, breastfeeding mothers can bypass long queues. Parents with mobility issues can request assistance from NIRA teams visiting schools or parishes.
• Online Pre-Registration Benefits:
• The NIRA pre-registration portal (https://prereg.nsis.nira.go.ug) allows parents to start the process from home, reducing time spent at registration centers. After submitting Form 3 online, parents receive a unique Application ID, which must be presented with a printed copy of the form during biometric capturing. NIRA recommends using a desktop or laptop for the best experience, as mobile phones may not fully support the portal’s features.
• For parents of boarding school students, the portal is particularly useful, as forms can be submitted digitally and sent to schools for final processing during the school-based drive.
• Tracking Application Status:
• Parents can check the status of their child’s NIN application using the USSD code *216# by sending the child’s NIN to 2160, NIRA’s official short code. Alternatively, the NIRA website (www.nira.go.ug) allows status checks using the NIN or application details. It’s recommended to check after eight weeks, as processing can take 2–3 months due to high demand or verification delays.
• If a NIN slip is lost, parents must visit a NIRA office with the child’s details (name, date of birth, and registration center) to request a replacement, which may extend processing time.
• Children Without Parental Documentation:
• If both parents are deceased or lack NINs, a blood relative (e.g., grandparent, uncle, aunt, or older sibling) with a valid NIN can facilitate registration. A photocopy of the relative’s National ID is required, along with a letter from the LC1 chairperson verifying the relationship.
• For orphans under institutional care, a letter from a recognized authority (e.g., orphanage director or probation officer) and court documentation, if applicable, can substitute for parental NINs.
• Registering Children Abroad:
• Ugandan children living abroad can be registered through Ugandan embassies. Parents must complete Form 3 and provide a photocopy of their National ID or NIN, along with proof of citizenship (e.g., parent’s passport or birth certificate). The child must be present for biometric capturing at the embassy.
• Parents should contact the nearest Ugandan embassy for specific requirements, as additional documents (e.g., current country passport) may be needed to verify citizenship.
• Citizenship Verification for Complex Cases:
• If a child’s citizenship is in doubt (e.g., due to mixed ancestry or unclear parental status), parents may need to appear before a citizenship verification committee. Supporting documents like baptism cards, marriage certificates, or LC1 letters can help, though they are not mandatory.
• For Banyarwanda children, parents must provide evidence of ancestry in Uganda before February 1, 1926, verified by local authorities, to confirm eligibility as part of Uganda’s 65 indigenous tribes.
• Registering Babies at Health Facilities:
• NIRA has partnered with select hospitals to register newborns at birth, streamlining the process. Parents should inquire at their delivery hospital if this service is available. A hospital birth notification or LC1 letter confirming the birth can be used in lieu of a birth certificate.
• For home births, parents must obtain an LC1 letter verifying the birth details, including the date and parents’ names, to register the baby at a NIRA office or parish center.
• Common Challenges and Solutions:
• Delays in Processing: High demand, errors in application forms, or delays in card printing can extend processing times. Parents should double-check Form 3 for accuracy before submission and start checking status after eight weeks using *216# or the NIRA website. Visiting the registration center with the NIN slip can expedite inquiries if delays persist.
• Data Accuracy Concerns: To ensure accurate data, parents must verify details like names and dates of birth on Form 3. For school-based registration, NIRA advises parents to complete forms themselves, as teachers are not allowed to do so, reducing errors. If errors occur post-registration, corrections can be made at district NIRA offices. NIRA-originated errors are corrected free of charge, but personal changes (e.g., name updates) cost Shs200,000.
• Extortion and Fraud: All NIN registrations are free, and parents should report any demands for payment to NIRA or local authorities with evidence. NIRA’s WhatsApp number (available on www.nira.go.ug) can be used for complaints. Four officials were arrested in Kassanda District for bribery, highlighting NIRA’s crackdown on corruption. Parents should avoid sharing their NINs for unrelated purposes (e.g., registering others’ SIM cards), as this can lead to fraud or legal issues.
• Benefits of Early Registration:
• Education and Exams: A NIN is mandatory for continuous assessment in secondary schools, as required by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB). Registering children early ensures they can participate in UCE and UACE exams without delays.
• Access to Services: A NIN enables children to access government services like health insurance, school capitation grants, and future financial transactions. It also supports transparent business dealings and reduces crime by ensuring verifiable identities.
• International Compliance: The National ID, linked to a NIN, aligns with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, allowing its use as a travel document within the East African Community. Early registration prepares children for future mobility.
• How to Prepare for School-Centric Registration Days:
• Coordination with Schools: Starting late July 2025, NIRA and the Ministry of Education and Sports will conduct school-centric registration days. Parents should contact their child’s school to confirm dates and obtain Form 3. Schools will not register children without parental consent, ensuring security.
• Biometric Preparation: Ensure children are present for biometric capturing, as fingerprints and facial images are mandatory (except for babies, where facial images suffice). Parents should bring a photocopy of their National ID and ensure the child’s details match official records.
• Community Mobilization: NIRA encourages parents to mobilize neighbors and relatives to register children, especially in rural areas, to maximize coverage. Local leaders (LC1 chairpersons) can provide guidance on registration points.
• Contacting NIRA for Support:
• Official Channels: For inquiries, parents can visit www.nira.go.ug, use the USSD code *216#, or contact NIRA’s WhatsApp number (listed on the website). Physical visits to NIRA offices or parish registration points are also encouraged for urgent cases.
• Feedback and Complaints: If issues arise (e.g., delays or extortion), parents can file complaints via email or phone through NIRA’s official channels. Providing the NIN or Application ID speeds up resolution.

Additional Notes for Parents

• Online Pre-Registration: NIRA’s pre-registration portal (www.nira.go.ug) allows parents to enter biodata before visiting a registration center, reducing processing time. No document uploads are required online; physical submission occurs during biometric capturing.
• School-Centric Registration Days: Starting late July 2025, NIRA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports, will hold school-centric registration days. Schools will distribute Form 3, and NIRA officials will visit to conduct biometric capturing. Parents should contact schools for schedules.
• Avoid Misuse: Parents should not use their NINs to register others’ SIM cards or bank accounts, as this can lead to legal and financial risks. The child’s NIN is their unique identifier and should be protected.
• Verification for Banyarwanda: For children of Banyarwanda descent, parents must provide evidence of ancestry in Uganda before 1926, verified by local authorities, to confirm eligibility.
• Free Service: NIRA emphasizes that NIN registration for children is free. Report any extortion attempts to NIRA or local authorities with evidence.

Why Register Your Child?

A NIN ensures a child’s legal identity, enabling access to education, healthcare, and social services. It also secures inheritance rights, particularly for land, and reduces disputes by linking the child to their parent’s NIN. For babies, early registration establishes a foundation for future documentation, such as National IDs at age 16.