Over 100,000 Renewed IDs Ready Ahead of Diaspora Registration – NIRA

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has announced significant progress in its efforts to improve access to national identification services, with over 100,000 renewed National ID cards already produced and currently being dispatched to various issuance centres across the country.

While addressing the press on Monday, Claire Ollama, the Registrar at NIRA, noted that the distribution process for these renewed cards has commenced to ensure timely access for Ugandans who have been awaiting their documents.

“Over 100,000 renewed National Identity cards have already been produced. The dispatch process to districts and places of issuance across the country has begun,” Ollama stated.

In another major development, NIRA also confirmed plans to kickstart diaspora registration in August 2025, beginning with Ugandans living in Dubai and Qatar. According to Ollama, preparations are already underway in close collaboration with Uganda’s consulates in these countries to ensure a smooth roll-out. Engagements with other consulates across different continents are ongoing to expand this service further.

“We are pleased to confirm that diaspora registration will begin in August 2025, starting with Dubai and Qatar. We are working closely with our respective consulates for a smooth roll-out,” Ollama said.

Meanwhile, NIRA continues to intensify efforts to register children across Uganda. Claire Ollama revealed that the Authority has dedicated Thursdays and Fridays specifically for child registration, particularly targeting schools and other structured community centres. However, she clarified that parents can still present their children for registration on any day of the week should they fail to make it on the dedicated days.

“A number of our teams are active at schools and structured places across the country. We have set aside Thursdays and Fridays as dedicated days for child registration,” Ollama explained.

“Parents will receive real-time updates at every stage of their child’s application — including issuance of NINs, card readiness, or any queries — through SMS or email notifications,” she added.

Parents are encouraged to carry either their National ID or NIN when presenting their children for registration. The service remains free of charge.

NIRA’s continued efforts reflect the Authority’s commitment to streamlining access to national identification services for Ugandans both at home and abroad, while also enhancing efficiency and communication through digital updates.