The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has announced the official rollout of the national ID renewal in Uganda, set to begin on May 27, 2025, across all parishes. The exercise was piloted on May 23 at Vision Group’s Head Offices in Kampala, marking the start of what is expected to be a six to ten-month national operation.
Who Needs to Renew?
The renewal targets all Ugandans whose ID cards expired in 2024, 2025, or 2026. Eligible citizens will be required to present either:
- Their expired National ID, or
- A valid police report in the case of a lost ID
What Information Can Be Updated?
According to Gordon Kubaho, NIRA’s Kampala Central Division registration officer, only one detail will be permitted for update during this cycle:
“The only detail we are allowing to be updated is the place of residence, as we understand that people may have changed addresses. All other information will remain unchanged,” Kubaho stated.
Updates to other personal information, such as names or birthdates, will be handled under a separate arrangement at a later date.
Enhanced Security Features
The new national IDs will come with advanced biometric security enhancements, including:
- Iris scanning
- Improved anti-forgery design
- Enhanced identity verification systems
These upgrades are aimed at reducing cases of identity fraud and improving national security.
Massive Government Investment
The Ugandan government has allocated UGX 666 billion to fund the renewal campaign. This budget is expected to cover:
- 15.8 million renewals
- 17.2 million registrations for previously unregistered individuals
NIRA emphasized that this budget will help ensure a nationwide reach, especially in remote and underserved areas.
Why the Pilot Started at Vision Group
Vision Group, Uganda’s largest media house, was selected for the pilot due to its:
- Large workforce, requiring early ID processing
- Ability to amplify public awareness through its media platforms
“We began early with Vision Group because of its large number of staff and its status as a media house that can help amplify our message,” Kubaho explained.
How Long Will It Take?
The nationwide renewal will run for six to ten months, depending on region-specific factors like population density and accessibility.
NIRA aims to reach every parish, ensuring that all eligible Ugandans can renew their ID cards with minimal travel and wait times.
Steps to Renew Your National ID in Uganda
- Visit your parish registration center starting May 27
- Present your expired ID or police report for lost ID
- Update your current residence information if needed
- Provide biometric data, including iris scan and fingerprint confirmation
- Wait for issuance, which may take several days or weeks
Importance of Renewing Your National ID
The National ID is a mandatory document for:
- Voting
- Accessing public services
- Mobile money and banking
- National exams and education services
Failure to renew may result in service disruptions or legal penalties.
The upcoming national ID renewal in Uganda marks a significant milestone in modernizing identity verification in the country. With advanced biometrics and a government-backed push for inclusivity, the new system aims to enhance service delivery and personal data security for all Ugandans.
For more information and updates, visit the official NIRA website or contact your local parish office.
