(Kampala) – The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has highlighted an increase in illegal attempts by non citizens to acquire Ugandan national IDs, urging thorough screening of citizenship applications.
The NIRA spokesperson, Osborn Mushabe, addressed concerns during a security briefing on October 28, 2024, emphasizing that Uganda’s national ID is strictly reserved for citizens by birth. To qualify, an individual must belong to one of Uganda’s 65 indigenous communities, with proof that their grandparents were present in Uganda by 1926, when the nation’s borders were defined.
At the briefing, Mushabe stressed that applicants are required to submit a copy of a parent’s national ID to verify their lineage. Other pathways to citizenship include registration, naturalization, dual citizenship, or being a British national who resided in Uganda before 1962, when Uganda was still under British rule.
To qualify for citizenship through registration, an applicant must first receive clearance from the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control. This added screening is meant to prevent illegal citizenship registrations by foreign nationals. Mushabe appealed to local council chairpersons and internal security personnel to thoroughly verify all applications before approving them for national ID registration.
| Eligibility Criteria for Ugandan National ID | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Citizenship by birth | Belong to an indigenous community |
| Citizenship by registration | Clearance from Immigration Directorate |
| Dual citizenship or former British protectorate status | Must prove residency before 1962 |
Mushabe expressed concerns over individuals falsely claiming Ugandan nationality, with cases already reported in areas such as Kisenyi, Kampala, and Masindi. NIRA aims to prevent this trend from expanding to other regions in Uganda.
The spokesperson also encouraged eligible Ugandans to participate in the ongoing mass enrollment exercise, which began on September 27, 2024, and is set to conclude on November 23, 2024. This initiative aims to register 17.2 million Ugandans, with an additional goal of renewing 15.8 million ID cards due to expire by the end of this year.
The enrollment will also help ensure that Ugandans aged 18 and above are registered in time for the 2026 elections. NIRA is working with the Electoral Commission to meet the November 30, 2024, deadline to provide a complete list of eligible voters from the National Identification Register.
