Enhanced national IDs dispatched to districts, says NIRA

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The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) says it has started issuing Uganda’s new enhanced National ID cards across district offices.  

Addressing journalists at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, on Monday, October 27, 2025, NIRA registrar Claire Ollama said production and distribution of the new cards are “in high gear” with thousands already printed and dispatched nationwide (list attached). 

“Many Ugandans have already applied for renewal or registration, and I’m glad to report that the new enhanced National ID cards are now being issued slowly but steadily across our district offices,” Ollama said.

She also revealed that every district now has cards ready for collection, and more batches are being processed daily.”

She noted that the ongoing exercise was proceeding “in the evening stages,” with NIRA working closely with district mass enrollment and registration coordination committees (DMERCCs) to ensure a smooth rollout. 

Ollama said the progress by district continued to improve weekly, with more cards dispatched to local offices and applicants being notified to collect them.

“This card is not just a replacement; it’s a major upgrade. It’s made from a stronger, high-endurance material. The photo is laser-engraved, not printed, meaning it can’t peel or fade. Inside the card are hidden marks, a ghost image of your face and date of birth, and a digital signature that protects your data," she said. 

She explained that the enhanced ID also features a QR code and barcode at the back to enable banks, telecoms, hospitals and government institutions to instantly verify an individual's identity and reduce forgery.

“When you tilt the card in the light, you’ll notice a tiny shifting image and raised texture. That’s how you know it’s genuine,” she said.

According to Ollama, the improved design and technology will make identification safer and more reliable for both citizens and service providers. 

“For businesspeople, this means fewer fake customers and safer transactions. For citizens, it means an ID that will serve you for 10 years and stand up to daily use. For communities, it means fairer access to services, because government planning depends on real, verified data,” she said.

She added that the new system not only strengthens national security and identity verification but also reduces risks of duplication, impersonation, and document fraud. 

“If you master the features of the new card and stay keen, you’ll be able to tell a genuine ID from a fake one, protecting yourself, your business, and your community from fraud,” she advised.

Ollama urged Ugandans who receive their new cards to carefully check all details before collection to ensure accuracy.

“Check your details carefully, your name, date of birth, and photo,” she said. 

She also reminded the public that while the current renewal is free, a fee of shillings 50,000 will apply for replacement in case of loss. 

“Keep your new card safe; it’s your proof of identity and your link to national services. This free renewal is for a while, but if you lose the new card, the 50,000-shilling fee for loss will apply.” She said.

She encouraged citizens to help others in their households register or renew their IDs when NIRA teams reach their parishes. 

“This card is stronger, safer, and smarter, built for the Uganda we are becoming,” Ollama said.

She further emphasised that National ID registration and renewal are completely free of charge and warned the public against paying brokers or middlemen who claim to facilitate the process. 

“We remind all Ugandans that no one should pay for National ID registration or renewal forms to our officers,” she said, adding that the forms are free, the service is free, and your registration is your right.

Ollama outlined the available registration options, including online preregistration through NIRA’s official website, www.nira.go.ug, which allows applicants to fill out forms and only appear once for biometric capture, saving both time and transport costs. 

She said forms are also available at district offices and parish outstations across the country.

She acknowledged, however, that some areas were currently experiencing temporary shortages of forms due to high demand. 

“We are aware that some individuals are taking advantage of these shortages by exorbitantly selling forms or charging ‘facilitation fees.’ This is illegal,” she warned.