The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), which oversees the issuance of new IDs and the replacement of old or damaged ones, has implemented notable changes to its fee structure. This has raised concerns among numerous Ugandans.
The new fees, which came into effect immediately, reflect significant increases for services such as the replacement of damaged IDs and modifications to personal information.
In a recent media briefing, NIRA’s Public Relations Officer, Osborn Mushabe, announced that the replacement cost for a lost ID is Shs 50,000, while a damaged or defaced ID will incur a fee of Shs 200,000.
“In case you have a damaged or defaced National ID, it is different from a lost National ID. A lost ID is replaced at UGX 50,000 and the damaged or defaced one will pay UGX 200,000,” said Mushabe.
It’s important to mention that a mass enrollment campaign for National ID registration commenced from September 23 to November 23. NIRA aimed to register approximately 17.2 million Ugandans, alongside a goal to renew over 15.8 million IDs set to expire next year.
As the 2026 general elections approach, the urgency to issue National IDs is expected to increase. This is because possessing a National ID is crucial for voting; without it, individuals are unable to cast their votes.
Nonetheless, NIRA’s executive director, Rosemary Kisembo, highlighted that adverse weather conditions, particularly heavy rainfall throughout the country, have impeded the registration process.
