The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has announced that over 5.3 million Ugandans have so far renewed their National Identification Cards (IDs).
Addressing journalists in Ksmpala, NIRA Registrar General Claire Ollama described the turnout as encouraging.
“Ugandans have spoken with their feet. Over 5.3 million of you have already shown up to renew your National IDs. That’s no small feat,” Ollama said.
However, she cautioned that despite the impressive numbers, it is still too early to celebrate.
“But let’s also face it; if we continue at this pace of around 840,000 renewals per week, we’ll cross the finish line in about nine months, yet the race we signed up for is a six-month sprint,” she explained.
Ollama called for increased efforts from all stakeholders to speed up the process, urging local leaders, parishes, and communities to actively mobilize residents.
“Every week matters. Every ID counts. The faster we go, the sooner Uganda gets the full benefit of a secure, inclusive, and modern ID system,” she stressed.
NIRA’s mass ID renewal campaign is part of a nationwide effort to update and secure Uganda’s identification database, which is critical for accessing government services, financial systems, and national programs.
The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) began its mass enrollment and renewal exercise for national IDs on May 27, 2025. This exercise is a nationwide campaign aimed at registering new applicants, issuing new generation ID cards, and renewing expired cards. It also aims to help Uganda meet international commitments, including providing legal identity for all by 2030,
The national ID registration in Uganda officially began with the launch of the National ID program in 2014, with mass registration starting in 2015. The Registration of Persons Act, which established the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), was passed in 2015, solidifying the process.