Kampala, Uganda – The government has announced May 2025 as the official start for the mass renewal of national identification cards across the country.
The update was delivered by the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi, during a parliamentary session on the 2025/2026 ministerial policy statement.
The pilot phase of the renewal will begin with government employees, particularly within the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).
“The equipment and software have all been tested and are ready for use,” Gen. Muhoozi assured lawmakers. “A full report will be shared soon.”
This development is critical as Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections. MPs such as Hon. Milton Muwuma raised concern over expired IDs, warning that eligible candidates and voters could be disqualified if renewal is delayed.
“Some of us have expired IDs. This can cost people their nominations,” Muwuma said.
The update also addressed concerns over national IDs for school-age children. Hon. Isaias Ssasaga inquired about learners who registered but have not yet received their IDs.
Gen. Muhoozi clarified that these students would be allowed to choose between receiving the current IDs or opting for the new upgraded versions featuring enhanced security features.
Despite the readiness, funding remains a major hurdle. According to the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, the government needs Shs145 billion to procure blank IDs for over six million new registrations and five million renewals. However, only Shs24.5 billion has been allocated for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
“We recommend an additional Shs120.7 billion be provided to ensure timely registration before the elections,” said Committee Chairperson Hon. Wilson Kajwengye.
The same report also highlighted a Shs587 billion funding gap for the nationwide rollout of the sub-county policing model. The Uganda Police Force successfully piloted this model in Greater Masaka in 2023/24, but nationwide implementation remains underfunded.
The government plans to build 30 new model police stations, complete 11 ongoing ones, and procure 333 motorcycles along with modern communication equipment. Yet MPs warn that without adequate planning, the initiative could fall short.
“There’s no accommodation or infrastructure for officers. We need better planning,” said Hon. Emely Kugonza.
MPs also demanded increased transport for police, citing slow emergency response times due to vehicle shortages.
“Kassanda has one vehicle for emergencies. It’s unacceptable,” Hon. Frank Kabuye added.
To ease fuel-related challenges, Gen. Muhoozi revealed the government’s plan to introduce electric motorcycles for police mobility—a move intended to reduce fuel costs and increase operational reach.
