Uganda’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) announced Thursday a nationwide rollout of enhanced National Identity Cards, starting May 27.
The six-month mass ID renewal and registration campaign will target every parish in the country as the initial IDs issued in 2014 begin to expire.
Speaking at a news briefing in Kampala, NIRA Executive Director Rosemary Kisembo said the new generation of IDs will feature advanced security upgrades to curb identity fraud and improve access to services.
Kisembo said the cards will include Multiple Laser Images (MLI), Machine-Readable Zones (MRZ), QR codes, and 2D barcodes to strengthen online and offline verification processes.
NIRA has distributed over 5,300 biometric registration kits to sub-counties across Uganda to support the operation. The exercise will cover renewals, first-time registrations for citizens 18 and older, and corrections of existing ID errors.
Kisembo emphasized inclusivity, stating that efforts will be made to register all eligible Ugandans, including those in prisons, the diaspora, and individuals who missed previous enrollments.
To prevent illegal registrations by non-citizens, NIRA has established district-level verification committees chaired by Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) to vet applications.
The government has allocated 666.85 billion shillings for the operation, with the goal of renewing 15.8 million IDs. The upgraded cards will be valid for ten years.
Kisembo said secure identification is fundamental to accessing services like healthcare, education, and finance, adding that the initiative aims to build a more inclusive and efficient Uganda.
Authorities are encouraging citizens to register or renew their IDs early to avoid last-minute rushes
