Diaspora Unit, NIRA discuss ID services for Ugandans abroad

On Friday (June 13), the head of the State House Diaspora Unit, Mohammed Bagonza, met with a team from the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to discuss diaspora matters.

Specifically, their meeting at unit's offices in Nakasero, Kampala centred around expediting national ID services — registration and renewal — for Ugandans living in the diaspora.

In the meeting, NIRA was represented by officials responsible for coordinating the ID registration and renewal exercise across various continents.

They are:

▪️ Andrew Apedel (Africa)

▪️ Ian Gumisiriza (USA and Canada)

▪️ Florence Akol (USA and Canada)

▪️ Shalom Kisakye (Asia)

▪️ Capt. Darius Turyahikayo (Australia)

▪️ Paul Kasawuli (Europe, UK and Middle East)

In a post on social media platform X about the meeting, the Diaspora Unit said implementing the services would ensure Ugandans abroad "are not left out".

On his part, Bagonza is reported as underlining the importance of prioritising the diaspora in the ID issuance and renewal process.

He also said that national identification documents are essential for accessing key services and opportunities.

Bagonza also spoke of the diaspora’s vital role as a driver of national development, particularly through remittances.

"The State House Diaspora Unit remains committed to ensuring that Ugandans abroad are fully supported, engaged, and empowered to contribute to national transformation."

While presenting the sh72.3 trillion national budget for 2025/26 on Thursday, finance minister Matia Kasaija said remittances from Ugandans living and working abroad were $1.4 billion (sh5 trillion) 12 months to March 2025.

That was higher than the $1.33 billion (sh4.8 trillion) in the same period in 2024.