By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda Updated at 1340 EAT on Wednesday 9 July 2025

Uganda is one and a half months into an ambitious six-month campaign to renew and expand its national identification system a critical effort with far-reaching implications for services, governance, and citizen rights.

So far, more than 5.3 million Ugandans have turned out to renew their national IDs, signaling strong early momentum. However, officials warn that the pace must accelerate significantly if the country is to meet its target within the set timeframe.

“This is no small feat,” said Claire Ollama, Buikwe District Registrar for the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), during a press briefing at Police headquarters in Naguru.

“But if we continue at the current weekly average of 840,000 renewals, we’ll need about nine months to finish a race designed to take six,” Ollama cautioned.

For the government, this drive goes far beyond paperwork. It’s a foundational effort tied to national integrity, economic inclusion, and the protection of individual rights starting at birth.

A valid national ID is essential not only for accessing public services but also for opening bank accounts, securing employment, and, as NIRA has recently emphasized, claiming inheritance.

To achieve full coverage, NIRA is doubling down on early registration with a strong focus on children. In partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports, the agency plans to launch “School-Centric Registration Days,” turning schools into enrollment hubs across the country.

Teachers will play a key role in collecting essential information using Form 3, while parents will be called upon to provide accurate details to ensure every child is properly documented. The message is clear: this isn’t just an administrative process it’s a step toward legal empowerment from the earliest stages of life.

“Without a National Identification Number, a land title is just a document — it can’t be activated without proof of identity.”

Beyond inheritance, identity theft and fraud are growing threats. In some cases, individuals knowingly or unknowingly — allow others to use their identification for business transactions or property deals, often with painful consequences. What seems like a simple favor can result in legal disputes, financial loss, or even the forfeiture of property.

“What starts as a favor can end in liability. When debts arise, it’s your identity the law will follow,” Ollama cautioned.

Citing a line from legendary Ugandan singer Paul Kafeero’s Tusuza Emyoyo, Ollama added, “Not all that glitters is gold.” The warning speaks to the hidden risks of misusing identity.

According to NIRA, universal registration is not only a tool for legal empowerment — it is also critical to national security, helping authorities prevent fraud, track criminal activity, and ensure accurate planning and service delivery.

“An undocumented individual in a household poses a potential security risk,” Ollama emphasized. “Universal registration ensures accountability no one can exploit another’s identity. That’s how we seal the gaps where impersonation and corruption take root.”

NIRA has also announced the official rollout of the long-awaited Change of Particulars (COP) service, set to begin on July 21, 2025.

This new service will allow Ugandans to update key personal information such as names, dates of birth, and other critical data on their national IDs. It’s a major step forward, particularly for those who missed earlier renewal deadlines due to administrative delays or significant life changes.

While the service offers much-needed flexibility, it comes with a fee of Shs 200,000 for any changes not directly caused by NIRA. Ugandans seeking to update their details are encouraged to visit the agency’s official website for more information on the process and requirements.

As the ID campaign intensifies, reports of extortion by middlemen have increased. Citizens have raised concerns about agents and internet café operators charging exorbitant fees for pre-registration forms and related services  often falsely presenting themselves as official representatives.

Ollama was unequivocal: “NIRA services are free. Pre-registration is optional. No one should pay for a form or a favor. If you can’t pre-register online, simply walk into a NIRA station with your ID and printed form or download one from our website.”

She urged the public to report any exploitation and reaffirmed NIRA’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and equitable access to services for all Ugandans.

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