Gaborone mission enrols Ugandans for national ID

Ugandans living in Botswana have welcomed the government’s efforts to bring National ID registration services closer to them, following an enrolment exercise organised by the Uganda High Commission in South Africa during the Cranes’ recent World Cup qualifier in Francistown.

The exercise took place on the sidelines of Uganda’s victory against Botswana, where the High Commission had set up an enrolment centre at Cresta Thapama Hotel.

According to the mission, the initiative aimed to help Ugandans in the diaspora update their data and apply for new National Identification cards.

A total of 26 applicants were successfully enrolled for National IDs, while many others expressed interest but were unable to attend due to work commitments.

Officials noted that the number of those still unregistered is estimated to be three times higher.

“The Mission plans to return to Francistown in December 2025, preferably over a weekend, to enrol the bulk of the unenrolled people,” the report from the High Commission stated.

The initiative marks the first time such a registration exercise has been conducted in Francistown, a development that many Ugandans described as timely and long overdue.

Members of the Ugandan community said the move demonstrates government’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens, including those abroad, have access to essential national services.

The leadership of the Association of Ugandans in Francistown expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his government “for ensuring that services are delivered to the diaspora communities as well.”

They applauded the High Commission for bringing the enrolment services directly to their area, enabling many to formalise their citizenship status.

For many Ugandans living abroad, the National ID is more than just a card; it serves as proof of identity for accessing consular services, banking, and business transactions, as well as registering property or investments back home.

The High Commission emphasised that improving access to such services remains a top priority, especially for citizens in countries without a resident Ugandan embassy.

The Deputy Head of Mission, Ambassador Kintu Nyago, noted that the exercise also strengthens ties between the Ugandan government and its nationals abroad.

Speaking during a dinner organised after the Cranes’ match, he praised the Ugandan community in Botswana for their patriotism and for “being good ambassadors of Uganda.”

He encouraged them to make use of opportunities to contribute to national development through investment and remittances.

Ambassador Nyago also urged the diaspora to maintain good conduct in their host country, reminding them to “remain law-abiding and respectful of the customs and cultures of the people of Botswana.”

The Uganda High Commission in Pretoria coordinated the entire visit, which also involved mobilising Ugandans in Francistown to attend the football match between the Cranes and the Botswana national team.

The Mission provided logistical and protocol support to the Ugandan team from their arrival in Gaborone until their departure to Algeria for their next fixture.

Following Uganda’s 1–0 win over Botswana, the Commission hosted over 65 Ugandans for a dinner to celebrate both the Cranes’ victory and Uganda’s 63rd Independence anniversary. Most of the attendees were professionals working in Botswana’s medical, mining, ICT, and education sectors.

The event highlighted how government missions abroad are increasingly using community gatherings and national celebrations as opportunities to extend essential services such as National ID registration, passport renewal, and investment sensitisation.

With the successful pilot in Francistown, the Mission now plans to replicate the model in other parts of Botswana and neighbouring countries under its jurisdiction, allowing more Ugandans abroad to access vital documentation.

The High Commission commended the strong turnout of Ugandans who showed both national pride and enthusiasm for civic participation, noting that such initiatives are part of a broader effort to strengthen diaspora engagement.

“This was a successful mission,” the report concluded, congratulating the Cranes on their victory and Ugandans worldwide on the nation’s 63rd Independence Anniversary.