The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has postponed the mass enrolment and renewal of National Identity cards to the end of July 2024. Initially scheduled for June 2023 and then postponed to June 1, 2024, the exercise has faced further delays.
During a media briefing in Kampala, Ms. Rosemary Kisembo, the Executive Director of NIRA, cited unforeseen delays in the procurement process as the reason for the postponement. “Nevertheless, by the end of July 2024, the exercise will commence,” she assured journalists. Ms. Kisembo acknowledged the electoral roadmap and the expiry of some identity cards in August 2024, emphasizing the government’s commitment to mitigating any adverse effects on service delivery.
To address the delays, Ms. Kisembo mentioned that NIRA, in consultation with the Attorney General’s Chambers, is implementing measures to ensure that people are not significantly impacted. She drew parallels to a similar exercise conducted in 2014, which was successfully completed in four months, expressing confidence that the current endeavour would also be completed within the stipulated timeline.
“For those who had prepared for the exercise, we sincerely apologize for the delay,” Ms. Kisembo stated. She explained that the allocation of finances in December 2023 and other unspecified factors contributed to the delay, but stressed the organization's focus on commencing the exercise as soon as possible.
Mr. Godfrey Baluku Kabyanga, the State Minister of ICT and National Guidance, provided additional context, highlighting the sensitivity and logistical requirements of the exercise. He noted that while NIRA may not have received all the necessary funds, they have sufficient resources to proceed effectively.
“Some logistics have to be put in place to ensure that the work being done is perfect, so we would rather extend it than start something and it doesn’t work out well,” Mr. Kabyanga said.
The mass enrolment and registration of National Identity cards are expected to continue until January 2025. The first batch of current identity cards, issued in 2014 and 2015, has a 10-year life span set to expire between August 2024 and June 2025.
This postponement underscores the complexities and challenges in executing large-scale national initiatives. As the government and NIRA work towards a seamless process, the public is urged to stay informed about the new timelines and prepare accordingly.
Identity cards were introduced as part of a nationwide initiative to create a centralized identification system for all citizens.
The renewal exercise aims to ensure that the expiring cards, which were pivotal in establishing a formal identification system in Uganda, are replaced in a timely and efficient manner to maintain continuity in personal identification for all citizens.
