Return clients' national IDs or face arrest, RDC warns money lenders

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Mukono resident district commissioner (RDC) Hajat Fatuma Ndisaba Nabitaka has warned money lenders who continue to hold national identity cards as collateral to return them immediately, so that the owners can renew them in line with legal requirements set by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).

Ndisaba emphasised that national identity cards are government property, and it is illegal for individuals to offer them as security when accessing loans.

“Those people who surrendered their identity cards to money lenders should demand their return, and report to police or my office the noncompliant for immediate security action,” Hajat Ndisaba directed.

The RDC was addressing the media on Monday, May 26, during the launch of the national identity card renewal process, in accordance with the Registration of Persons Act (Cap. 332), at her office.

The launch marks the beginning of the renewal exercise in Mukono district, starting with Mukono Municipality, Kyampisi, Goma, and Nakisunga sub-counties, before being rolled out to the remaining rural sub-counties.

Mukono RDC, Hajat Fatuma Ndisaba Nabitaka addressing the media over the NIRA renewal exercise. (Photo by Henry Nsubuga)

In the initial areas, the exercise is scheduled to last two weeks and will be conducted in densely populated centres and markets. Thereafter, the process will continue in the rest of the district.

Ndisaba also directed local council authorities to assist new migrants and refugees residing illegally in their jurisdictions by issuing them with documentation to enable security agencies to assess and recommend them for national ID acquisition, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

“They should seek clearance from the village chairpersons, Gombolola and District Internal Security Officers before coming to the RDC’s office for the final decision.”

Addressing beliefs held by groups that reject government programmes, Ndisaba clarified that such positions have long been outlawed in Mukono district, stressing that every Ugandan is entitled to benefit from all government services.

Responding to claims that the ID renewal exercise is a government ploy to influence the 2026 elections, the RDC dismissed the accusations, saying those who believe this are ignorant of the critical role IDs play in accessing services such as bank loans, school admissions, passports, and other essential amenities.

NIRA registration officer for Mukono district, Edwin Wesonga, said the six-week exercise is aimed at phasing out the old IDs and issuing new ones that are permanent and free of charge. He urged Ugandans to surrender their old cards regardless of their expiry status.

Wesonga highlighted the importance of national IDs, stating that even newborns cannot receive a birth certificate without a National Identification Number (NIN). He added that registration centres would be set up at hospitals to register infants.

He noted that 89 sets of equipment have been deployed in Mukono, including computers, scanners, secondary screens for instant error correction, and light lenses to improve photo clarity even in cloudy weather.

A total of 12,000 cards are expected to be renewed in Mukono, not including new cards for individuals turning 18. According to Wesonga, the entire process—from registration to card issuance—will not exceed two months, which he said is a significant improvement from previous timelines.