Uganda’s ambitious mass national ID registration drive kicked off Tuesday with over 100,000 sign-ups. However, internet disruptions frustrated thousands of applicants hoping for smooth processing.
The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) began the countrywide exercise aiming to register or renew national IDs for more than 33 million Ugandans. Yet, on day one, the initiative hit technical snags as connectivity issues slowed down operations at several registration points.
NIRA’s Executive Director, Rosemary Kisembo, admitted to the challenges but noted overall progress.
“Despite some internet delays, we registered over 100,000 people by 3:30 p.m.,” she said. “The process has generally gone well.”
Kisembo urged urban residents to take advantage of the online pre-registration system. This platform allows individuals to fill in their personal details from home and only show up for biometric data capture—cutting down on time and congestion.
Applicants renewing expired IDs only need to present their name, national identification number (NIN), and the card’s expiry date.
NIRA estimates that new cards will be ready within four weeks, with processing expected to accelerate as the rollout continues.
Massive Target, Rotational Strategy
The initiative aims to reach a staggering 33 million Ugandans. This includes 15.8 million people whose IDs expire this June and 17.2 million others who have never been registered.
Registration will rotate across all 10,594 parishes nationwide. Each location will be equipped with at least 10 biometric kits, with extra equipment dispatched to more populated areas.
Starting June 16, NIRA will also process ID corrections, first-time cards for 16-year-olds who already have a NIN, and other updates. This will be followed by a rollout of services like birth, death, and alien registration.
To support the massive operation, NIRA has recruited nearly 14,000 temporary staff and procured over 5,600 biometric kits.
The government has invested heavily: 183 billion UGX for ID printing, 293 billion UGX for systems and data centers, and 109 billion UGX for staffing.
Upgraded IDs With Advanced Security
The new generation of national IDs will include four enhanced security features to curb forgery and protect data. These include:
- A multiple laser image
- A machine-readable zone
- A quick response (QR) code for encrypted data
- A 2D barcode for faster verification
These features will allow the ID to support both digital and physical services—from mobile identification to e-government access and online verification.
Launch in Namayingo District
In Namayingo district, the exercise was formally launched by local leaders and security officials. Resident District Commissioner Eva Kwesiga and District Chairperson Ronald Sanya encouraged full participation.
“This is a vital exercise. Religious beliefs should not stop anyone—everyone deserves to be officially identified,” Sanya emphasized.
Kwesiga added that having a valid ID is essential for accessing programs like the Parish Development Model, a government initiative aimed at reducing poverty at the grassroots.
For many citizens, the news that renewals are free came as a pleasant surprise. “My ID expired last year,” said Esther Nerima from Buhemba sub-county. “I thought I’d have to pay for a new one. I’m relieved it’s free.”
Despite early hiccups, NIRA officials remain confident that the process will become more efficient in the coming days. With Uganda’s digital infrastructure slowly expanding, they hope to register millions before the drive ends.
