Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has not yet set a start date for its mass registration campaign for new national digital ID cards.
Rosemary Kisembo, the Executive Director of NIRA, stated that the Authority cannot confirm the registration timeline until it receives the necessary equipment.
To address the issue of unregistered citizens, NIRA had proposed a widespread registration drive by the end of the year. Originally scheduled to begin in early June, the two-month initiative has been postponed.
Kisembo informed journalists at the Uganda Media Center that the project initiation activities began on July 29th.
“There are eight key items that we need to arrive in the country: the data center, registration kits, card printing equipment, blank cards, and the completion of system customization. These are the items on the critical path,” she added.
Kisembo noted that NIRA was expected to submit the national register to the Electoral Commission (EC) by November 30, 2024. The Electoral Commission (EC) recently unveiled its election roadmap, which includes specific dates for displaying the register.
She emphasized that individuals wishing to take part in the 2026 elections must be registered during the forthcoming registration drive.
“Even before we start the new process, we encourage those who want to be part of the 2026 voting process to get an ID now, especially those who have never registered or are just turning 18,” she said.
Also Read: NIRA Postponement of Mass National ID Enrollment: A Sign of Deep-Seated Inefficiency?
Kisembo encouraged Ugandans to prioritize early childhood registration, advising parents not to wait for schools to request birth certificates. She stressed that adopting this practice could help alleviate the current burdens on the Authority.
According to the law, every Ugandan is entitled to a national identification number, regardless of age. However, the physical ID card is only issued to individuals aged 16 and above.
“The ideal period would be a month after birth, and when matters worsen, it should not exceed a year at most,” said Kisembo.
Kisembo disclosed that just 27.4 million Ugandans are currently registered in the government database. This figure contrasts with the recent housing and population census, which estimated the country’s total population at 45.9 million.
