Has NIRA started National ID Renewal?
The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), has officially commenced the long-anticipated mass enrollment and renewal exercise for national identity cards. This comprehensive initiative marks a crucial milestone in the country’s efforts to update and expand its national registry in line with both technological advancements and demographic changes.
Pilot Phase Begins
The campaign kicked off with a pilot phase that started on May 2 and will run until May 26, 2025. This phase focuses on internal validation processes and involves the renewal of identity cards for the Board of Directors of NIRA and top officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The purpose of this controlled rollout is to allow the Electoral Commission to conclude its national display exercise and to ensure the readiness of systems and personnel for the larger-scale effort.
Addressing the media on Monday, the State Minister for Internal Affairs, Gen David Muhoozi, confirmed the timeline and strategic importance of the pilot. “The pilot phase is a critical preparatory stage that ensures our systems are robust and that we’re ready to roll out nationwide,” he said.
Nationwide Rollout on May 27
Following the pilot, the full-scale registration and renewal exercise will officially begin on May 27, 2025. According to Gen Muhoozi, NIRA will deploy biometric registration teams at the parish level across all 146 administrative districts in the country. The goal is to facilitate access for all Ugandans and streamline the identification process at the grassroots level.
The initiative aims to renew approximately 15.8 million national ID cards, many of which have already expired or are set to expire by June 2025. In addition, NIRA plans to register 17.2 million Ugandans who are currently not part of the national database. This includes first-time registrants, particularly young people and those who have not previously enrolled.
Upgraded Technology and Systems
To support the scale and scope of this massive operation, NIRA has acquired 5,665 biometric registration kits, delivered earlier this year in January. These kits are designed to ensure accurate and efficient data collection. Additionally, the authority has procured two advanced card printing machines capable of producing up to 100,000 laser-engraved ID cards daily.
The technological backbone of the renewed identification process includes a new National Security Information System, developed in partnership with Tahaluf Al Emarat Technical Solutions. This sophisticated platform introduces several innovative features:
- Online pre-registration of biographical information to minimize congestion and reduce wait times.
- Iris recognition added as a biometric feature, enhancing the accuracy and security of identity verification.
Application Process and Requirements
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has outlined clear guidelines for both renewals and new registrations.
For renewals, applicants must present:
- The original or a photocopy of the expired ID, or
- A valid police letter in case of a lost or stolen ID.
Importantly, renewals do not allow for changes in personal information. The new ID will carry the same biographical data and retain the original National Identification Number (NIN).
For first-time registrants under the age of 18, additional documentation is required:
- A photocopy of a parent’s national ID, or
- If unavailable, identification documents of one of the four grandparents, or
- Documents from a blood relative who is a direct descendant of any of the four grandparents.
According to NIRA Executive Director Rosemary Kisembo, the government has allocated sufficient funding and logistical support to ensure the success of the exercise. She emphasized that individuals will have the opportunity to register a new place of residence during the process.
However, Kisembo clarified that any changes in personal details, such as names, parentage, date of birth, or spousal information, must go through a separate process for the change or correction of particulars, which incurs additional fees.
Fees and Charges
The government has implemented a clear fee structure for the various services involved:
- Shs 200,000 for those seeking to change or correct personal information.
- Shs 50,000 for the replacement of lost or stolen ID cards.
- No fee is required for basic renewals where no changes are being made.
A National Imperative
The mass enrollment and renewal exercise is not only a logistical feat but also a national imperative. As Gen Muhoozi noted, having a robust and up-to-date national identity system is essential for planning, service delivery, and national security.
This campaign is expected to improve access to a range of government services, enable more accurate population data, and ensure citizens are properly documented for civic participation, including voting.
As the exercise rolls out to every corner of Uganda, citizens are encouraged to prepare the necessary documents and take advantage of the decentralized registration points to update or acquire their national identity cards.
This initiative represents a significant step toward a digitally integrated and secure identification system for all Ugandans, laying the groundwork for improved governance and national development in the years to come.
