NIRA Urges Nationwide Acceleration of National ID Renewal and Child Registration to Secure Uganda’s Future
Over 5.3 million Ugandans have already renewed their National IDs, a significant milestone celebrated by NIRA. However, Ms. Claire cautioned that at the current pace of 840,000 renewals per week, Uganda risks overshooting the intended six-month window by three additional months.
The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has intensified calls for mass participation in the ongoing National ID renewal and registration exercise, emphasizing urgency, legal empowerment, and the importance of identity from infancy. This was revealed during a press briefing addressed by Ms. Ollama Claire, District Registrar of Buikwe, held at the Uganda Media Centre.
Over 5.3 million Ugandans have already renewed their National IDs, a significant milestone celebrated by NIRA. However, Ms. Claire cautioned that at the current pace of 840,000 renewals per week, Uganda risks overshooting the intended six-month window by three additional months. She urged communities, parishes, and individuals to accelerate efforts, declaring, “Every week matters. Every ID counts.”
Identity from Infancy: A National Imperative
The core of the briefing focused on the need for early registration starting at infancy, linking it directly to issues of inheritance, legal protection, service delivery, and national security.
a) School-Centric Registration Days
NIRA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports, announced the roll-out of School-Centric Registration Days, aimed at ensuring every child in school is registered for a National Identification Number (NIN). Schools will receive registration forms (Form 3) and are encouraged to collect them from NIRA offices. Parents are urged to accurately fill the forms or authorize teachers with the correct details.
This move aligns with the broader goal of creating a secure and inclusive identity system for all Ugandans, starting from the foundational stages of life.
b) Inheritance and Legal Empowerment
Addressing a pressing issue affecting millions, Ms. Claire stressed the legal consequences of lacking identification. Many Ugandans are unable to claim or transfer inherited assets due to mismatched or missing identification details.
“A land title without a matching NIN is a locked gate,” she stated. “If your child has no NIN, they cannot inherit from you. Early registration is not just data—it is empowerment.”
c) Misuse of Identity: A Rising Concern
NIRA also warned against the abuse of personal identification, including scenarios where individuals lend their identity to others for financial or business transactions. This practice, Ms. Claire noted, exposes innocent people to legal and financial jeopardy, with their names often dragged into disputes or criminal inquiries.
Quoting late Ugandan musician Paul Kafeero’s cautionary lyrics from Tusuza Emyoyo, she emphasized: “Not all that glitters is gold. Protect your name as your first asset.”
d) Full Registration and National Integrity
A call was made for universal registration, citing benefits such as:
Reducing impersonation and fraud,
Enhancing service delivery accuracy,
Closing loopholes for corruption and ghost beneficiaries.
“A nation without full registration is a nation with holes in its pocket,” she noted, stressing that full coverage would bolster Uganda’s national integrity and governance systems.
Change of Particulars (COP) Service to Launch on 21 July 2025
In response to public demand, NIRA announced that its Change of Particulars (COP) service will go live on 21st July 2025. The service will accommodate Ugandans needing to update personal information due to changes or past registration oversights.
A UGX 200,000 fee will apply for all changes not caused by NIRA. Citizens are encouraged to visit www.nira.go.ug for full guidance on procedures and requirements.
Tackling Corruption and Misinformation
Reports of overcharging by agents and internet cafés for NIRA-related services have prompted the agency to reiterate that:
Pre-registration is optional
All NIRA services are FREE
Citizens are advised to download forms for free from the official website or collect them from NIRA offices. No one should pay for access to forms or for services that should be provided freely.
To report misconduct, the public can contact NIRA through:
Toll-Free: 0800 211 700
WhatsApp: +256 766 501 071
Email: info@nira.go.ug
Social media: @NIRA_Ug
Nearest Police, RDC, or DISO
The press briefing concluded with a rallying call to citizens and institutions alike:
“Let us register every Ugandan — from the cradle. Let us protect the name and number that define us. Let us close the cracks where confusion and corruption thrive. Let every child be known. Let every household be whole. Let Uganda be fully visible, verifiable, and protected.”
With the clock ticking on the six-month registration timeline, NIRA urges all Ugandans to act now—not just for personal benefit but as a contribution to national stability, security, and service equity.
