NIRA rolls out nationwide ID roadshow to clear backlog, expand access

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The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has launched a nationwide roadshow aimed at accelerating the issuance of national identity cards, clearing a growing backlog, and expanding access to registration services across Uganda.

Addressing the press at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, on Monday (April 13), NIRA registrar Claire Omalla said the initiative will bring services closer to citizens through outreach clinics set up at Boma grounds and other central locations.

“We are launching a nationwide roadshow focused on national ID issuance and related services. This initiative will enable us to hold dedicated service days at selected Boma grounds and central locations where citizens can access services more conveniently,” Omalla said.

She explained that the exercise will primarily focus on the collection of ready national identity cards, while also offering registration support, correction of personal details, and general assistance on issuance-related matters.

“The central service is the collection of ready national ID cards, but we shall also support those with registration challenges and those who need corrections in their personal details,” she added.

Rollout plan

According to Omalla, the roadshow is a deliberate intervention to prevent the buildup of uncollected IDs and to provide feedback to citizens who previously registered.

“This exercise is intended to improve card collection, avoid the possible buildup of backlog, and ensure citizens receive feedback on their previous registrations,” she said.

The rollout will initially cover multiple regions, including West Nile, western, eastern, and northern Uganda, depending on available resources.

The first phase begins on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in Wakiso district, where several issuance centres have been opened in areas such as Nansana, Nabweru, Kira Municipality, Kasangati, Kakiri, Kyengera, Busukuma, Gombe, Mende, Masulita, and Namayumba. Additional centres in Bweyogerere, Kira, Nansana, Nabweru, and Wakiso town council will be activated on April 16.

Other districts scheduled in the rollout include Arua, Buikwe, and Jinja on April 15; Nebbi and Iganga on April 17; Masindi and Tororo on April 19; and Hoima and Mbale on April 21. The exercise will continue through April and early May, covering districts such as Soroti, Fort Portal city, Lira, Gulu, and Kitgum.

Omalla, however, acknowledged that not all districts can be covered at once due to resource constraints, noting that routine services will continue at existing NIRA offices.

“These outreach clinics are not a substitute for our offices. They are meant to extend our reach and bring services closer to the people,” she said, adding that parish-level outreach programmes are also being planned.

She urged citizens with pending ID cards or registration issues to take advantage of the outreach days.

In a related development, Omalla announced that the Alien Registration Module is now fully operational, with registration for legally resident non-citizens set to begin on May 5, 2026.

“Under the Registration of Persons Act, NIRA is mandated to register all non-citizens legally residing in Uganda and issue them with an Alien Identification Number,” she said.

Applicants will be required to present valid immigration documents issued by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control with a validity exceeding 90 days. These include permanent residence permits, work permits, dependant passes, and other long-term immigration facilities, alongside a valid passport copy. The registration fee has been set at 100 US dollars, payable through the Uganda Revenue Authority.

Omalla said NIRA is engaging key stakeholders to support the rollout and will soon communicate biometric collection points in addition to its existing offices.

“This is an early notification to allow eligible persons to prepare and comply before registration officially begins,” she noted.

She also provided an update on the Partner Management Module, a system designed to enable secure and regulated access to National ID data by authorised institutions. The module went live on March 31, 2026, and is currently operational.

“A number of partners have complied with the updated requirements, although some are yet to complete the process. Delayed submissions have affected timelines for equipment testing and onboarding,” Omalla said.

She explained that testing of submitted equipment is ongoing and that institutions will be granted real-time access once their systems are verified.

“These changes were communicated in advance to ensure preparedness. We encourage all pending partners to finalise their submissions to avoid further delays,” she added.