In a bold step toward digitizing public services, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has launched a new online pre-registration portal to streamline how Ugandans apply for or renew their National ID cards.
Accessible at prereg.nsis.nira.go.ug, the portal empowers citizens to start the application process remotely, minimizing queues and easing pressure on overwhelmed NIRA offices.
For years, the manual process—paper forms, physical queues, and in-person submissions—has frustrated many Ugandans, especially those in remote areas who often endure long and costly journeys just to apply.
A Step Toward Digital Efficiency
The portal now allows first-time applicants and renewals to complete much of the paperwork online by submitting their personal and parental details digitally.
Once done, the system generates a unique Application ID and a printable form that must be presented at a NIRA registration center for biometric capture (fingerprints and facial data).
This hybrid model retains critical security procedures while making the front end significantly faster and more accessible.
“By shifting data entry online, we are reducing congestion at our centers and improving the speed of service,” a NIRA official stated.
Who Should Use It—and How
To use the platform:
- Visit https://prereg.nsis.nira.go.ug
- Select first-time registration or ID renewal
- Fill in accurate personal details
- Print the form and carry it with your Application ID to your local NIRA office
NIRA recommends using a desktop or laptop computer for the best experience, as the platform is optimized for larger screens and stable internet.
Bridging the Digital Divide
While the portal marks progress, challenges remain. Many Ugandans lack reliable internet or digital skills.
As such, public education campaigns and community support initiatives will be essential to ensuring no one is left behind.
NIRA is also targeting school enrollments in its broader campaign. Speaking about concerns during the ongoing mass school registration, Peter Okwalinga, a NIRA official, urged parents to pre-register their children from home using the same portal.
“Parents, are you worried about the accuracy of your children’s data during school enrollments? Pre-register them at home through the platform,” he said.
The Bigger Picture
This initiative is more than a technical upgrade—it’s part of a larger movement to modernize public services in Uganda.
With millions of Ugandans depending on the National ID for everything from banking to voting, cutting delays and improving access is a national priority.
If successfully adopted, this system could transform how Uganda handles civil registration—not just for IDs but possibly for passports, birth certificates, and more in the future.
