As the world marks International Identity Day, Uganda’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has raised concerns about the slow progress in birth registration and national identity renewals, warning that stagnation could derail efforts to meet the global target of achieving legal identity for all by 2030.
Speaking ahead of the commemorations, Claire Ollamson, Registration Officer for Buikwe District, revealed that while 10.5 million Ugandans have renewed their National Identity Cards and 2.5 million new registrations have been completed, the pace remains below expectations.
“We seem to be stagnating at about 10.5 million renewals and 2.5 million new registrations. This is worrying, as the project’s deadline is approaching,” Ollama said, urging Ugandans to seize ongoing opportunities for registration and renewal exercises both locally and abroad.
To accelerate progress, NIRA has deployed registration kits at regional referral and high-volume hospitals across the country. The initiative will allow on-site birth registration and the issuance of National Identification Numbers (NINs) for all newborns immediately after birth.
“This will make it possible for children to have a legal identity from day one,” Ollama explained, adding that birth certificates remain free if applied for within the first six months of a child’s life.
She urged Ugandans who have not yet applied to act now to avoid being locked out of essential services. “Do not wait to be locked out of service. It is in your own interest to apply for your National ID and hold government accountable for giving you feedback. The best way to process your documents is to do it yourself. This ensures your information remains accurate and secure, and you don’t expose it to people who shouldn’t have access.”
The mass enrollment and renewal campaigns are part of efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 16.9, which seeks to ensure everyone has a legal identity by 2030. NIRA officials have encouraged Ugandans to participate in the ongoing Birth Registration, National ID Mass Enrollment, and National ID Mass Renewal drives both within the country and in the diaspora.
International Identity Day, celebrated every September 16, highlights the critical role of legal identity in accessing essential services such as education, healthcare, and social protection.