King Oyo, Nnaabagereka Join National ID Renewal as 2.5m Ugandans Register

Her Royal Highness (HRH) the Nnaabagereka of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda, has renewed her National Identification card, becoming the latest high-profile figure to join millions of Ugandans participating in the National Identity Card mass renewal and registration exercise.

The Nnaabagereka completed the process at Bulange on Tuesday, where a large number of citizens attending the ongoing CBS PEWOSA Trade Fair also lined up to renew their IDs. Her participation has been hailed as a powerful endorsement of the exercise and a call to action for citizens to prioritise their legal identity.

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) says over 2.5 million Ugandans have so far applied for renewals at parish-level centres since the exercise began. However, NIRA Executive Director Rosemary Kisembo expressed concern over the low registration of children—only 15,000 so far—compared to the millions of adult renewals.

The Nnaabagereka’s gesture follows in the footsteps of other national and cultural leaders, including the Omukama of Tooro, King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV, who renewed his ID earlier this week at Karuzika Palace in Fort Portal.

“I encourage all the eligible Ugandans, especially the people of Tooro, to register and have their National IDs renewed to avoid inconveniences,” King Oyo stated in a message shared after his registration.

The Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, also renewed his ID at Bulange this week, where he reminded Ugandans of the vital role that the National ID plays.

“A national ID is not just a document. It is your identity, your key to opportunities and your connection to services that define a dignified life,” said Mayiga. “I urge all Ugandans, especially the Baganda, to take part in this process with urgency and seriousness.”

He added that without a valid ID, one may face challenges accessing services such as employment, travel, financial services, and healthcare.

The campaign has also seen participation from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni, who renewed their IDs at Nakasero State Lodge on June 10, lending national weight to the ongoing exercise.

With the campaign still underway, NIRA continues to emphasise the importance of timely renewal. Officials are encouraging all eligible Ugandans, including youths and adults with expired IDs, to take advantage of the mass registration services available at local centres.