NIRA Awarded for Setting the Standard in Disability Inclusion

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has been honored as the Disability Inclusive Employer of the Year 2025, a prestigious award presented during the Mr. & Miss Ability Uganda 2025 ceremony held on 1st December 2025 at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala. The recognition underscores NIRA’s strong commitment to creating a workplace where persons with disabilities (PWDs) are respected, empowered, and given equitable opportunities to thrive.

The award was presented by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, in partnership with Brighter Monday Uganda and several disability inclusion advocates. It celebrates institutions across the country that have demonstrated remarkable progress in integrating disability-friendly policies, accessible infrastructure, and supportive employment practices into their operations.

In the Certificate of Recognition, NIRA is praised for its “exemplary commitment to creating an inclusive work environment that supports, values, and empowers employees with disabilities, as reflected in the Disability Inclusive Employer Award 2025.” This commendation reflects years of deliberate efforts by the Authority to champion workplace diversity and promote equal participation among all staff members.

The certificate further highlights that NIRA’s “dedication to inclusive employment practices has significantly advanced equality and accessibility,” positioning the Authority as a model institution in Uganda’s public sector. Through continuous improvement of systems and staff capacity, NIRA has become a pioneer in integrating disability inclusion within national service delivery.

NIRA’s recognition is rooted in several strategic measures that have strengthened its disability-responsive environment.

These include:

Accessible workplaces equipped with ramps, signage, and appropriate support facilities to ease mobility and interaction.

Equal employment opportunities, allowing qualified persons with disabilities to serve in various technical and administrative roles.

Capacity-building and training that equips staff with the knowledge and sensitivity needed to work harmoniously and respectfully with colleagues who have disabilities.

Collaboration with disability organizations to continuously refine policies and ensure that services and internal procedures remain inclusive.

Beyond internal employment policies, NIRA has also played a critical role in ensuring that national identification services are accessible to all citizens, including PWDs. Through targeted enrolment drives, disability-friendly communication, and partnerships with organizations advocating for PWDs, the Authority has boosted access to national IDs—an essential document for accessing social and economic services.

This achievement reflects NIRA’s broader mandate of promoting fairness, equality, and nondiscrimination in national registration processes.

The 2025 Disability Inclusive Employer Award represents a significant milestone, not just for NIRA but also for Uganda’s ongoing journey toward a more inclusive society. It aligns with national efforts to empower PWDs, guided by the Persons with Disabilities Act and related government policies aimed at improving accessibility, employment, and social participation.

NIRA’s recognition sets a benchmark for other public and private institutions to emulate, demonstrating that investing in disability-friendly systems fosters productivity, professionalism, and stronger institutional culture.

As NIRA celebrates this honor, the Authority reaffirms its commitment to strengthening disability inclusion in all areas of its work. The award serves as both validation of past efforts and motivation to pursue even higher standards of accessibility and equality.

With continued support from partners and stakeholders, NIRA is poised to remain at the forefront of inclusive employment practices and public service delivery in Uganda.