The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has called on Ugandans to urgently collect their national identity cards, revealing that more than five million IDs have already been produced and dispatched to districts across the country.
Addressing journalists on Monday at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, NIRA Registrar Claire Ollama announced that card production and distribution have significantly accelerated under the ongoing mass enrollment and issuance program. “I am glad to report that production is in high gear. We have produced and dispatched more than five million cards to different districts of this country, and many people have already started receiving their national IDs,” Ollama said.
Despite this progress, Ollama expressed concern over the low rate of collection, urging all registered Ugandans to visit their respective district or sub-county NIRA offices to pick up their cards. “These cards are already in your districts, but the pickup is still very low. Please, if you enrolled, go to your nearest office and collect your card,” she appealed. According to NIRA’s data, Kampala leads with over 261,000 cards ready for pickup, followed by Kasese (69,000), Tororo (51,000), Kamuli (45,853), and Kayunga (43,000). Smaller districts such as Kitagwenda (2,674) and Lyantonde (2,454) have also received their shares of printed IDs. Ollama emphasized that a National ID is indispensable for accessing government services, justice systems, and various socio- economic opportunities. She reassured the public that the ongoing phased production will ensure that everyone who registered eventually receives their card. “We registered at different times, and we will receive at different times. What matters is that production is happening and cards are being issued,” she explained. During the briefing, NIRA also unveiled the next-generation National ID card, equipped with enhanced security features designed to prevent forgery and improve durability.
The new card includes: 6An engraved image that cannot fade, 6Ghost images for added security, 6A barcode for electronic verification, and 6Raised name features to help the visually impaired identify their cards by touch. Ollama noted that the barcode will make it easier for banks and institutions to authenticate IDs, while engraved photographs will protect against tampering and duplication. She further warned the public against middlemen who often exploit citizens seeking ID services, stressing that all NIRA services are completely free of charge. “Your citizenship does not require another person. Do not pay middlemen. Walk into the nearest office confidently our staff are paid to serve you,” she said. NIRA continues to roll out its nationwide mass registration and renewal exercise, targeting universal legal identity for all Ugandans. Citizens are encouraged to check their ID status online or via SMS before visiting collection points to ease congestion and ensure efficient service delivery.
