Ugandan citizens living abroad will have the opportunity to register online for new or renewed national identity cards (IDs) as part of the mass enrollment exercise scheduled to commence in June 2024. This initiative was announced by Gen. David Muhoozi, the State Minister of Internal Affairs, during a session in Parliament. However, Muhoozi clarified that this opportunity will be available only to Ugandans residing in countries with populations exceeding 10,000.
The online pre-registration and registration process will be facilitated by the National Identification Registration Authority (NIRA) and will also include outreach exercises in selected countries with significant Ugandan populations. The pilot phase of the enrollment process is set to begin on March 30, 2024, with a factory review of components and kits to be conducted in the following weeks.
In response to concerns about photographing Muslim women wearing face veils, Muhoozi assured that NIRA will register Muslim women with veils in adherence to international standards. The process will comply with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standard 9303, allowing applicants with head covers on religious grounds to be photographed accordingly.
Muhoozi addressed queries regarding the printing of ID cards, explaining that due to the use of laser printing high-tech equipment, the cards will not be issued instantly but will be printed centrally in Kampala. Additionally, accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who may not have fingerprints for printing, with alternative methods such as facial recognition and iris scanning considered.
To prevent abuse of the system by non-citizens, Muhoozi emphasized the presence of local government officials such as LC1 chairpersons and Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISO) at every enrollment center. Furthermore, district citizenship verification committees will be established to address cases where citizenship is in doubt.
Regarding concerns about the registration of Uganda Banyarwanda, Muhoozi clarified that the enrollment exercise is intended for all Ugandan citizens, including Baganda Banyarwanda, who are recognized under the Constitution. Eligibility for enrollment will be determined according to the constitutional provisions and related laws governing citizenship.
