NIRA warns against multiple national ID registrations

UGANDA | NIRA | ID | MASS REGISTRATION

As the National Identification Registration Authority (NIRA) plans the rollout of the second round of mass registration for national identification cards after 10 years, Ugandans have been warned against carrying out multiple registrations. 

Osborne Mushabe the NIRA public relations officer, said this not only causes systemic disruption but is also illegal and criminal, with serious repercussions for anyone detected. 

He said they have observed some individuals attempting to register more than once, which slows down the procedure because every last detail must be verified. 

Mushabe wondered why one should register as Kamusiime Benon if they are Juma Kirya or Kamusiime Arnold, for example. 

“When we are going to mass registration, it would be wise to register and kindly submit the correct information. When you provide us with inaccurate information, it becomes difficult for us to update your information in the system because we have to perform due diligence and manual identification, which causes us to wait. Then give us the required and relevant information if you want the IDs on time,” he continued. "At the weekly joint security briefing on Monday at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Mushabe also mentioned the new birth certificates and urged all Ugandans to register for them as one of the crucial records that “justifies your citizenship as a Ugandan”. 

He emphasized that the National Identification Number (NIN) for each bearer is embedded in the new certificates, unlike the outdated ones. 

Additionally, he pushed individuals who lost loved ones to secure death certificates. 

Mushabe noted that those under the age of 18 will use their parents' or guardians' NINs, for registration. 

He explained that if a youngster is registered, there won't be any additional criteria when they turn 16 to choose their acquire a national ID, but rather just an update to their data. 

Mushabe emphasized that obtaining birth and death certificates helps the government plan more effectively by letting them know how many people are living in the nation and who has passed away. 

What you need to get a birth certificate 

— A birth notification record from the place of birth (hospital, division, or Sub County). 

— Copies of the National IDs of both parents. 

— A bank payment receipt of 5000/- for the certificate (can pay through any bank).