Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has launched a nationwide registration drive for all Ugandans aged 17 and above in preparation for the 2026 general elections.
The exercise, which began on September 27th and will conclude on November 23rd, aims to register at least 17.2 million citizens. This effort is part of fulfilling the Electoral Commission’s roadmap to ensure that the list of eligible voters from the National Identification Register is ready by November 30th, 2024.
Rosemary Kisembo, NIRA’s Executive Director, stated during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre that the focus of the registration drive is to ensure all eligible voters are registered and issued National IDs before the deadline.
While the primary target is individuals aged 17 and above, younger citizens are also encouraged to register, though the emphasis is on those eligible to vote.
NIRA is collaborating with several government entities to ensure the success of the exercise, including the Electoral Commission (EC), the Ministry of Education, Local Government officials, and Resident District Commissioners (RDCs). The district teams will share detailed registration schedules with local leaders to facilitate citizen participation.
Registration will take place daily, including weekends, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. While new registrations are free of charge, services such as changes to personal details will attract a fee.
Ugandans aged 18 and above are required to present a letter of introduction from their Local Council 1 (LC1) Chairperson, stamped by Internal Security Officers. This letter must include details such as the applicant’s name, date of birth, tribe, clan, nationality, and parental information.
Also Read: NIRA Postponement of Mass National ID Enrollment: A Sign of Deep-Seated Inefficiency?
During this nationwide drive, citizens who have previously registered but have turned 16 or older can present their National Identification Number (NIN), Application ID, or registration form to update their information and process their National IDs. Kisembo emphasized NIRA’s commitment to enrolling 17.2 million unregistered Ugandans and renewing the IDs of 15.8 million citizens in the 2024/25 fiscal year.
Additionally, the Minister of Internal Affairs recently extended the expiration date for over three million IDs set to expire within a year. The government has allocated 666.85 billion Shillings for the mass enrolment and renewal of all national IDs.
Ugandans are urged to seize this opportunity to register and be officially recognized as citizens.
