NIRA nears completion of mass registration with 3 million IDs printed

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The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) says over three million national identity cards have been printed and dispatched to district offices across Uganda, a major milestone in the ongoing Mass Enrolment and Renewal Project that began in April.

Speaking at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, on Monday, October 6, 2025, NIRA registrar and project communication champion Claire Ollama said the Authority is now entering the final weeks of the six-month nationwide exercise, which has seen registration extended to even the most remote communities.

“As we conclude mass enrolment at the parish level in the remaining days, we shall immediately transition into a mass issuance phase to ensure that every registered Ugandan receives their card,” Ollama said. “Over three million National Identity Cards have already been printed and dispatched to district offices across the country.”

Ollama noted that the mass enrolment and renewal project, which began on April 1, 2025, initially took off at district offices and select outreach points before being fully rolled out to parish level on May 27, 2025. With about 24 days remaining in the project’s lifecycle, she said field reports show that some registration stations have begun to record lower turnout as the exercise nears completion.

She encouraged citizens who have not yet registered or renewed their IDs to act promptly.

“If you are among the last-minute applicants, this is your gentle reminder: please take advantage of these remaining days to complete your registration or renewal process. Do not wait for the last day — do it now,” she appealed.

Ollama expressed appreciation to district and parish teams, local leaders, and partner agencies for their dedication to ensuring that Ugandans can easily access identity services close to their homes.

Transition to mass issuance

The NIRA official said a detailed communication on the mass issuance phase will soon be released, outlining how the printed IDs will be distributed efficiently.

“However, if you have already received an SMS confirming that your card is ready, and you wish to collect it sooner, please visit the NIRA office in the district where your enrolment took place,” Ollama clarified. “Once mass registration winds down, mass issuance will roll out seamlessly at the local level.”

She commended Ugandans at home and abroad for responding positively to the call for registration and renewal, noting that their participation strengthens the country’s digital identity and service delivery systems.

Turning to the ongoing child registration drive, Ollama said NIRA teams have reached nearly every parish, school, and church in a nationwide effort to ensure that all Ugandan children are documented.

“Do not be the reason your child remains unidentified,” she urged parents and guardians. “A blood relative can and rightly should support the registration of children under their care — it is both a civic duty and an act of love.”

She emphasised that every registered child gains access to essential services and legal protection under Uganda’s national identity framework.

Diaspora registration 

Ollama also confirmed that the Mass Registration and Renewal Exercise continues to serve Ugandans abroad, following successful drives in Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Burundi, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and North America.

The exercise has since expanded to Canada, China, and the United Kingdom, and is now moving into Germany, France, and the Benelux region.

In Germany, registration will be conducted as follows:

•      Berlin: October 7–9
•      Cologne: October 11–13
•      Frankfurt: October 11
•      Nürnberg: October 12–13
•      Hamburg: October 15–18
•      Munich: October 15–17

For France and Benelux, the schedule is:

•      Paris: October 13 & 16
•      Brussels (Embassy): October 17
•      Amsterdam: October 18
•      Gent (Belgium): October 19

Ollama said the venue details for Amsterdam and Gent will be communicated through official NIRA channels.

“This diaspora registration exercise underscores the Government’s commitment to ensuring that every Ugandan, regardless of location, has access to national identification services,” she explained. “In each country reached, embassy staff have been empowered and equipped with registration kits to continue offering services beyond the main campaign.”

Ollama lauded all partners and stakeholders who have supported the project — from local mobilisers and district teams to embassies and diaspora communities.

“Together, we are securing Uganda’s identity, one person, one child, one community at a time,” she said.