10,594 Registration Assistants Begin Training for National ID Mass Enrolment and Renewal Exercise

A total of 10,594 Registration Assistants have commenced training at 21 regional centers across Uganda in preparation for the much-anticipated Mass Enrolment and Mass Renewal exercise for National IDs. The training program, organized by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), aims to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to efficiently handle the nationwide exercise.

The trainees, divided into different groups, will each undergo a four-day intensive training session before making way for the next batch. This approach ensures that all Registration Assistants receive thorough instruction while maintaining an organized training schedule.

The recruitment of Registration Assistants was highly competitive, with NIRA receiving hundreds of thousands of applications last year following the official call for vacancies. The overwhelming response reflects the growing interest in supporting Uganda’s national identification initiatives. Those selected underwent a rigorous selection process before being invited to participate in the training session.

Rosemary Kisembo, the Executive Director of NIRA,

has remained steadfast in her commitment to ensuring the success of this nationwide exercise. Addressing the trainees, she emphasized the importance of empathy when handling citizens seeking registration and renewal services.

"I would like you to put yourselves in the shoes of the people you serve, most of whom have different challenges. Treat them the same way you would want to be treated," she urged.

Her remarks underscored the need for professionalism, patience, and understanding, particularly when dealing with vulnerable populations such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and those in rural areas with limited access to information.

Upon completion of training, Registration Assistants will be deployed to every parish across the country to facilitate the enrolment of citizens for National Identification Numbers (NINs) and National ID cards. Additionally, they will handle the renewal of expired National IDs, ensuring that all Ugandans have valid identification documents.

With Uganda’s population continuing to grow, the need for an updated and reliable identification system is more crucial than ever. The Mass Enrolment and Renewal exercise is expected to enhance national security, streamline service delivery, and improve access to government programs that require valid identification.

The ongoing exercise is part of a broader initiative to strengthen Uganda’s identity management system. With digital transformation gaining momentum across various sectors, an accurate and up-to-date national registry will play a pivotal role in facilitating financial inclusion, social services access, and voter registration for upcoming elections.

The success of the training and subsequent field operations will be instrumental in ensuring that every eligible Ugandan is captured in the national database. As NIRA rolls out the mass enrolment and renewal process, citizens are encouraged to take advantage of the exercise and register or renew their National IDs to avoid future inconveniences.

The training of 10,594 Registration Assistants marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s national identification efforts. Under the leadership of Ms. Rosemary Kisembo, NIRA is committed to ensuring a smooth, efficient, and citizen-friendly process. With their deployment at the parish level, these Registration Assistants will be at the forefront of shaping Uganda’s identity management system for years to come.

Ugandans are now urged to stay informed and prepare for the upcoming registration and renewal exercise, which is set to enhance access to essential services and promote national development.