The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has revealed that out of an estimated 45 million Ugandans, only 27 million are registered in the National Register.
NIRA Executive Director Rosemary Kisembo emphasized the urgency in addressing this gap to ensure that over 17 million eligible individuals are registered. She announced the commencement of mass enrollment and renewal of National Identity cards, scheduled to begin in June 2024.
Kisembo highlighted the mandatory nature of obtaining a National Identification Number (NIN) for every Ugandan, regardless of age, tribe, or religion, as per the Registration of Persons Act, Section 5. NIRA’s responsibilities include managing the National Identification Register, which involves registering citizens and non-citizens, recording births and deaths, and assigning a unique national identification number to each individual.
During her announcement, Kisembo stated, “Today our register stands at 27 million yet we are approximately 45 million Ugandans. Every Ugandan, regardless of age, sex, religion, background, occupation, tribe, and clan, is entitled to an NIN.”
The mass enrollment and renewal process will span a 10-month period across 10,717 parishes nationwide, starting in June. Kisembo revealed that the exercise aims to register the remaining 17 million Ugandans, including those living in the diaspora, to fulfill NIRA’s mandate.
Leading up to the launch of the exercise, NIRA will disseminate further information on various aspects of registration, such as citizenship, biometrics, applications, and procedures for foreign nationals obtaining national IDs.
Kisembo explained that the new national IDs will include facial images, fingerprints, and iris scans to enhance identification accuracy and inclusivity. Iris scans are being incorporated as an additional biometric data point to ensure unique identification, especially for individuals with damaged fingerprints or visual impairments.
“This registration is crucial for inclusion in the national voters’ register prepared by the Electoral Commission ahead of the 2026 general election,” Kisembo emphasized. Eligible individuals must be registered by September or November to facilitate their participation in the electoral process.
