Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | In the realm of efficient governance and citizen service delivery, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) plays a pivotal role. However, recent events have cast a shadow over its ability to fulfill its mandate effectively.
As we stand on the precipice of a mass national enrollment and renewal exercise for upgraded national IDs, it has become evident that NIRA is not adequately prepared to deliver the much-needed service to Ugandan citizens. This failure stems from a myriad of factors that warrant serious consideration.
NIRA recently announced the postponement of the mass enrollment and renewal exercise for the National Identification Cards (IDs). Initially slated to commence on June 1, 2024, the exercise has been rescheduled to the end of July 2024 due to what NIRA’s Executive Director, Rosemary Kisembo, attributed to “unforeseen delays in the procurement process.”
“However, due to unforeseen delays in the procurement process, the exercise did not take off,” said Rosemary Kisembo. “Nevertheless, by the end of July 2024, the exercise will commence.”
According to her, the government is doing everything to ensure that IDs are renewed before the 2026 general elections.
The renewal exercise will focus on renewing all cards issued between 2014 and 2015, in accordance with the Registration of Persons Act, 2015.
“Aware of the Electoral Roadmap and the expiry of some cards beginning August 2024, the Government is taking all necessary measures to ensure that the delays do not affect service delivery and the roadmap,” she said, adding that consultations in that regard are underway.
“In consultation with the Attorney General’s Chambers, measures are being put in place to ensure that the public suffers no disadvantage because of the delays.”
Ugandans first registered for national IDs in 2014.
“In 2014, a similar exercise was successfully carried out in a period of four months. Therefore, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Identification and Registration Authority would like to assure the public that the Government will deliver this exercise successfully within the stipulated timelines,” said Rosemary Kisembo.
“We will continuously update the public on progress in this matter.”
This postponement, however, comes amidst growing concerns over NIRA’s inefficiencies and its readiness to deliver essential services to Ugandan citizens.
The inefficiencies plaguing NIRA’s operations have become increasingly apparent in recent times. There is a continuous outcry from the citizens about the services offered by the authority.
First and foremost, one cannot overlook the technological challenges that have plagued NIRA’s operations. The digital infrastructure required to facilitate smooth registration processes, secure data storage, and timely issuance of identification documents is woefully inadequate.
Reports of system crashes, data breaches, and prolonged processing times have become all too common, eroding public trust in NIRA’s capabilities. Without a robust and reliable technological framework in place, any mass registration exercise is doomed to fail before it even begins.
Furthermore, logistical shortcomings have exacerbated the problem. NIRA’s inability to adequately deploy personnel and resources to registration centers across the country has resulted in long queues at its understaffed head offices at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, delays, and frustration among citizens. The workload has caused a strain on the existing staff who have to work extra hours to meet the needs of the public.
The authority at present faces numerous challenges, such as poor coordination between NIRA staff and district coordination committee members. Additional issues include limited facilitation, inadequate office space, unbalanced and unfavorable payment structures, a lack of awareness about NIRA’s activities and services among local communities, and a significant gap between the approved budget and the project’s overall performance.
Rural areas, in particular, have been neglected, leaving many marginalized communities without access to essential identification services. This not only perpetuates inequality but also undermines the government’s efforts to promote inclusive development and good governance.
Moreover, the lack of transparency and accountability within NIRA’s organizational structure has further eroded public trust in the authority’s capabilities. Instances of corruption, nepotism, and favoritism have tarnished NIRA’s reputation, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to restore integrity and oversight within the authority.
Without robust mechanisms to ensure integrity and oversight, there is a pervasive sense of impunity that undermines the credibility of NIRA’s operations.
In light of these challenges, the postponement of the mass enrollment and renewal exercise serves as a necessary step to address the root causes of NIRA’s failures. Rosemary Kisembo, the Executive Director of NIRA, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that the delays do not adversely affect service delivery or the established road map.
However, while measures are being taken to mitigate the impact of the postponement, it is imperative that broader systemic reforms are implemented to enhance NIRA’s capacity to deliver essential services effectively.
The recent recruitment of over 12,000 Registration Assistants by NIRA is a positive step towards streamlining operations and facilitating the registration process across the country. However, without addressing the underlying inefficiencies within NIRA’s administrative framework, such measures may fall short of achieving the desired outcomes.
Therefore, as we navigate through these challenges, it is essential that the government and NIRA prioritize transparency, accountability, and effective resource management. A postponement of the mass registration exercise provides an opportunity to undertake comprehensive reforms aimed at addressing systemic inefficiencies and rebuilding public trust in NIRA’s capabilities.
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Citizens have a right to expect fairness, honesty, and impartiality from their government institutions, and NIRA must be held to the highest standards of accountability. Simply pushing forward with a mass national registration and renewal exercise in the face of such glaring deficiencies would be a disservice to the Ugandan people. Instead, a postponement is warranted to allow for comprehensive reforms to be implemented.
This postponement should be accompanied by a thorough review of NIRA’s organizational structure, operational procedures, and technological infrastructure. Adequate funding and resources must be allocated to address existing deficiencies and ensure that NIRA is equipped to fulfill its mandate effectively.
In conclusion, NIRA is currently ill-equipped to deliver the much-needed service of mass national registration and renewal to its citizens. A postponement of the exercise is necessary to allow for comprehensive reforms to be implemented and to restore public trust in NIRA’s capabilities.
The government must prioritize the efficient and transparent delivery of identification services to all Ugandans, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of national development and prosperity.