President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on all Ugandans to participate actively in the ongoing mass registration and replacement of National Identity Cards (IDs), emphasising their critical role in ensuring electoral integrity and national security.
Speaking at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds during his State of the Nation Address, the President noted that the exercise, spearheaded by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), is not only aimed at updating expired IDs but also at enrolling new eligible citizens ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“This important exercise involves replacing expired national identity cards and fresh registration,” Museveni stated. “The IDs will be used to identify voters in the forthcoming elections to prevent fraud. Therefore, I urge you all to embrace the registration exercise.”
The mass ID registration drive, which began earlier this year, targets millions of Ugandans, including those turning 16 and others who may have missed earlier opportunities to register. Authorities have emphasised that participation is mandatory for access to key government services and eligibility to vote.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja also took part in the exercise this week in her home district of Kakumiro, joining thousands of Ugandans across the country who are renewing their National IDs.
“I joined fellow Ugandans to renew my National ID in Kakumiro Town Council, Kakumiro District,” she posted on social media. “This renewal is essential for accurate national records, secure identification, and full participation in the upcoming elections.”
According to NIRA, the updated National IDs will be required not just for voting, but also for accessing key public and private services such as banking, education, employment, and health care. Officials note that biometric deterioration, especially fingerprint groove fading over time, necessitates data renewal to ensure reliability in authentication systems.
Government authorities are urging citizens to visit their nearest registration centres and take advantage of mobile outreach efforts to avoid last-minute congestion. “Let us all embrace this exercise,” Nabbanja emphasised, “because it’s about safeguarding the integrity of our nation and ensuring every Ugandan is accounted for.”