NIRA Begins Pilot Phase of National ID Mass Enrolment and Renewal Exercise Ahead of Countrywide Rollout

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has officially commenced the pilot phase of its nationwide Mass Enrolment and Renewal exercise, a critical undertaking aimed at updating and expanding Uganda’s National Identification Register. The exercise follows Cabinet’s approval in August 2022 and is geared toward renewing 15.8 million expiring national ID cards and registering an additional 17.2 million Ugandans, particularly those who have never been registered before.

Established under the Registration of Persons Act, CAP. 332 in March 2015, NIRA is mandated to create, manage, and maintain the National Identification Register. Currently, the register contains biometric and biographic records of 27.7 million Ugandans.

Technological Advancements for a Modern ID System 

To enhance the efficiency and security of the process, NIRA, on July 8th, 2024, signed a contract with Tahaluf Al Emarat Technical Solutions for the procurement and installation of advanced registration infrastructure. The deliverables included:

5,665 biometric registration kits – Fully delivered by January 2025 and deployed across the country starting February.

Two high-capacity card production machines – With the ability to print up to 100,000 laser-engraved cards daily, these were delivered in March 2025.

Data center equipment – Comprising five racks, 80 servers, firewalls, and communication systems, installed from October 2024 through January 2025.

A new National Security Information System built on the Modular Open Source Identification Platform (MOSIP), offering enhanced services including new registration, renewals, changes or corrections of particulars, replacements, and issuing first-time ID cards to individuals aged 16 and above.

This new system introduces iris scans as an additional biometric feature and facilitates online pre-registration of biographical data. A dedicated pre-registration link will be available on the NIRA website starting May 27th, 2025. Furthermore, the platform integrates birth and death registrations, effectively streamlining Uganda’s civil registration processes.

The pilot phase, running from May 2nd to May 26th, 2025, began with the renewal of IDs for NIRA’s Board of Directors and top officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. During this phase, NIRA will work closely with selected stakeholders at designated pilot sites to refine operational workflows before the full-scale rollout.

Starting May 27th, 2025, the mass registration and renewal campaign will be decentralized to the parish level across all 146 administrative districts of Uganda. Each parish will receive 10 biometric registration kits, and the District Local Government will coordinate movement schedules between parishes.

Requirements and Services Offered 

NIRA will offer five key services during the exercise, each with specific requirements:

Service Cost Requirements

1. Renewal Free

Original or copy of expired ID, or police letter if lost. Expired card must be submitted for invalidation. 

2. New Registration (under 18 years)

Free Photocopy of a parent’s ID. If unavailable, ID of a grandparent or close blood relative. Minor must be accompanied by an adult. 

3. New Registration (18+ years)

Free Photocopy of parent’s ID or grandparent/relative’s ID. Plus a letter from LC1, Parish Chief or LC3, endorsed by GISO, DISO or RDC. 

4. Change/Correction of Particulars

UGX 200,000 Only done at District NIRA offices. Full documentation available on NIRA’s website.

5. Replacement of Lost ID

UGX 50,000 Advised to renew rather than replace if the card is expired. Valid police letter required. 

ID issuance will begin 4 weeks after a successful application during the early months and reduce to a 2-week processing period as volumes stabilize. All new cards will be collected from the applicant’s indicated place of residence.

Applicants are reminded that if they already possess a National Identification Number (NIN), they should not attempt to register afresh. Instead, they should utilize the Change of Particulars service where necessary.

Citizenship Clarification

According to the Constitution of Uganda, citizenship categories include:

Citizenship by Birth or Descent (for tribes listed in Schedule 3 and present in Uganda before February 1, 1926), Citizenship by Naturalization,

Citizenship by Registration,

Dual Citizenship,

Citizenship under Article 9 of the 1995 Constitution.

All applicants must accurately identify their citizenship category to avoid delays, and those in non-birth categories must present a certificate of citizenship from the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.

NIRA reiterates that all applicants must provide truthful and complete information. Falsification is a criminal offense punishable by law. All payments related to the exercise must be made at designated banks—no money should be given to NIRA officers.

The Mass Enrolment and Renewal Exercise is not just a documentation drive; it is a national endeavor to reinforce identity, promote civic engagement, and streamline access to public services. With upgraded systems and a phased, inclusive approach, NIRA is determined to ensure every eligible Ugandan is counted and recognized.

For more details, visit the official NIRA website: www.nira.go.ug