NIRA intensifies birth registration drive, launches alien registration

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The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has intensified its nationwide birth registration campaign and announced the rollout of a long-awaited registration exercise for legally resident foreign nationals, as the agency moves to strengthen identity management systems across Uganda.

Addressing a press conference at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, on Monday, June 1, NIRA registrar Claire Ollama said the authority was encouraged by growing public interest in birth registration following the recent registration of the child of energy and minerals state minister-designate, Phiona Nyamutoro, and her husband, musician Edirisa Musuuza, alias Eddy Kenzo.

Ollama said the couple’s participation in the process had helped shine a spotlight on an issue affecting millions of Ugandan children who remain without legal identity documents.

“The minister and her husband participated in the process as parents fulfilling a responsibility shared by all Ugandan parents. Their participation helped draw attention to an issue that affects millions of children across the country,” Ollama said.

NIRA registrar Claire Ollama said the authority was encouraged by growing public interest in birth registration following the recent registration of the child of energy and minerals state minister-designate, Phiona Nyamutoro, and her husband, musician Edirisa Musuuza, alias Eddy Kenzo. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

She noted that many Ugandans had since sought information on how to register their children and obtain birth certificates, prompting NIRA to expand awareness campaigns and bring services closer to communities.

According to NIRA, birth registration is critical in ensuring that every child acquires a legal identity from birth and gains access to essential services throughout life.

“We are inviting mothers, parents, churches, community groups, health facilities and local leaders to partner with us in ensuring that every child is registered as early as possible,” Ollama said.

The authority is encouraging groups of at least 10 parents with children below six months to organise community registration exercises and invite NIRA officials to support the process.

Interested groups can contact the authority through its official email platform and indicate their location and the estimated number of children requiring registration.

Ollama said children below nine months do not require biometric capture, making registration easier and more convenient for parents.

As part of the campaign, birth certificates for children below six months are currently being issued free of charge, while National Identification Numbers (NINs) remain free for all eligible applicants.

Under the existing fee structure, birth certificates cost sh10,000 for children above six months and below seven years, sh20,000 for those aged between seven and 18 years, and sh50,000 for adults aged 18 years and above.

NIRA also appealed to religious institutions to integrate birth registration into baptism preparations.

“We encourage churches to incorporate birth registration into pre-baptism preparations so that on baptism day families receive both a baptism card and a birth certificate,” Ollama said.

She emphasised that birth registration should not be delayed until a child requires school admission, a passport, inheritance documentation or access to government services.

“Every child has a name. They need a NIN. Every child deserves a legal identity from birth,” she said.

Alien registration rollout

In a separate development, NIRA announced that preparations for the rollout of Alien Registration have been completed, with a pre-registration portal now open to legally resident foreign nationals living in Uganda.

The exercise seeks to establish a comprehensive database of foreign nationals legally residing in the country and issue them with Alien Identification Numbers (AINs).

Ollama said eligible applicants must possess valid immigration documents issued by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, including work permits, dependent passes, permanent residence permits or other long-term immigration facilities with a validity period exceeding 90 days.

Applicants will also be required to present valid passports.

The registration fee has been set at 100 US dollars, and payments must be made through Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) channels.

“NIRA wishes to emphasise that all payments must be made through the prescribed Uganda Revenue Authority payment channels. No cash payments will be received at any registration centre under any circumstances,” Ollama said.

The first registration centre will be established at NIRA’s Wandegeya office on Lumumba Avenue, with additional centres expected to be announced as the exercise expands nationwide.

The registration process is scheduled to commence on June 8, 2026.

According to NIRA, the Alien Identification Number will strengthen identity verification, improve service delivery, support national planning and enhance security management involving foreign residents.

Meanwhile, the authority reported progress in onboarding institutions onto its Partner Management System, a platform designed to facilitate secure identity verification and card readability using information from the National Identification Register.

Ollama said the system is fully operational and ready for use by eligible institutions that complete the onboarding requirements.

Ebola measures

The authority also announced temporary adjustments to some field operations in response to Ebola prevention measures issued by the Ministry of Health.

NIRA said community-based mass registration outreaches in border districts would be significantly scaled down and closely regulated to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

The affected districts include Buliisa, Hoima, Kikuube, Ntoroko, Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Kasese, Kisoro, Kanungu, Adjumani, Yumbe, Koboko, Arua City, Nebbi, Pakwach and several others located along Uganda’s borders.

While services will remain available, NIRA said operations would be concentrated in controlled locations where public health guidelines and crowd management measures can be effectively enforced.

“NIRA remains committed to ensuring continuity of services while safeguarding the health and safety of our staff, applicants and the communities we serve,” Ollama said.