Parliament summons Rugunda over National IDs

KAMPALA - The Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga has ordered the Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, to explain to the House, the tedious process of acquiring National Identity Cards, which the MPs said is sickening.

Discussing the issue as a matter of national Importance on Tuesday, the legislators decried the long process of acquiring national IDs, which they said should be made easier.

"It is easier to get a passport than a National ID. People spend sleepless nights at Kololo trying to get their IDs and don't get them," Gaffa Mbwatekamwa (MP, Kasambya) said.

The MP told the House, how it took him a whole eight months to replace his National ID that had been lost.

The legislators proposed that the issuance of National IDs is decentralized to make it easy for Ugandans to get their IDs, without necessarily traveling to Kampala.

They also want the issuance of National IDs, moved from the internal affairs ministry to the Prime minister's office.

"This issue must be placed under the prime minister's docket so that we resolve the matter. It concerns Ugandans who don't have IDs," Guma Gumisiriza (MP, Ibanda North) said.

Ruling on the matter, Kadaga resolved that Rugunda briefs the House on why NIRA which is responsible for issuance of National IDs makes it hard for Ugandans to acquire IDs.

She said; "Last session we discussed this issue and nothing has changed. The prime minister should come here and explain".