Huge turnout as national ID renewal kicks off in Tororo

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It has been a high turnout for the national ID registration and renewal at the three designated centres in Tororo Municipality in Uganda's eastern district of Tororo.

The exercise got underway on Tuesday (May 27) in that area at the RDC's Block, the Municipal Council Gardens, and East FM.

More than 150 registration assistants have been deployed by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to conduct the exercise.

The majority of the people are seeking renewal of their national IDs.

The team is handling individuals with expired IDs, those registering for a national ID for the first time, and those seeking to correct information on their existing cards.

People queue for the renewal and registration for national IDs at the RDC's Block in Tororo Municipality in Tororo district on May 27, 2025. (Credit: George Ofwono)

After handling the urbanites, the registration teams will head to the rural areas.

“The turnout is overwhelming beyond our expectations. However, we remain committed to serving everyone,” said Hildah Nambozo, the District Registration Officer for Tororo.

While officials expressed delight at the positive public response, they acknowledged the significant logistical hurdles with the exercise.

The exercise is projected to last six to 12 months, with 75 registration machines deployed in Tororo, each manned by a team of two.

"Our major challenge at the moment is network instability and inadequate machines, but we have engaged our technical team to rectify this issue and ensure a smooth running of the process going forward," said Nambozo.

She also urged patience and understanding as they work to process all applications efficiently.

The Tororo Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Aidah Kigen, attributed the high turnout to the population's understanding of the importance of having a national ID.

"When registration for national IDs began in 2013, our people were misinformed by opposition politicians, who led them to believe that citizen registration was a partisan issue for the NRM party," she said.

"However, they have now realised its importance, which is why almost everyone is rushing to participate in this programme today."

The new IDs are expected to have enhanced security features as part of the government's commitment to improved national security and identity management.

Applicants seeking fresh registration are advised to bring their parents' IDs and a letter from their Local Council 1 (LC1) chairperson.