In a bid to ease the burden on citizens, the government has pledged that individuals seeking to renew their National Identity Cards (IDs) will not have to pay the previously proposed fee of Shs50,000, with the exception of those opting for express service. This reassurance came from Gen. David Muhoozi, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, during a statement to the House on the status of preparations for the mass renewal of national identity cards.
However, concerns have been raised in Parliament regarding the sluggish pace of the ID renewal process and the issuance of new IDs. Members of Parliament (MPs) expressed discontent over the delay and urged the government to promptly release funds to facilitate the process.
During a plenary session on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, MPs highlighted the urgency of the situation, particularly in light of the upcoming elections in January 2025. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa stressed the need for swift action to renew over 15.2 million IDs and enroll 17 million new IDs by June this year to avoid a potential national crisis.
Tayebwa also criticized the Ministry of Internal Affairs for halting the recruitment of workers for the exercise due to the lack of funds. He urged the ministry to commence recruitment immediately and assured them that funds would follow.
This sentiment was echoed by Kwania County MP, Hon. Tonny Ayoo, who suggested that the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) should streamline its processes, drawing inspiration from the efficient systems utilized in the renewal of driving licenses.
Meanwhile, concerns were raised about the accuracy of previous ID renewals, with errors leading to individuals missing out on essential services such as the Social Assistance Grant Empowerment. MPs called for measures to rectify such mistakes during the forthcoming mass renewal.
Furthermore, legislators emphasized the need for inclusivity, urging NIRA to address issues faced by marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities and minority ethnic communities.
Responding to these concerns, Minister Muhoozi outlined the government's plans to expedite the procurement of necessary equipment and ensure adequate resources for the renewal process. He also assured that measures would be implemented to address challenges in hard-to-reach districts, including the provision of standby generators and solar panels to counter power outages.
As the nation gears up for a comprehensive ID renewal exercise, all eyes are on the government to fulfill its promises and ensure a smooth and inclusive process for all citizens.
