NIRA Steps up ID Renewal in Diaspora as Mass Registration Nears End

Reports from several countries indicate that the national identity renewal exercise is progressing smoothly, with more registration centres being opened to ease access for Ugandans living abroad.

In August this year, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) rolled out the diaspora registration exercise in response to growing demands from Ugandans living outside the country. The Authority established centres in various countries, particularly in cities with large Ugandan communities.

NIRA has now announced an increase in the number of centres, with Germany alone now hosting five — Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Nuremberg — to enable more Ugandans to access the services conveniently.

“NIRA has deployed a dedicated team to assist with National ID renewals for all Ugandans living abroad, regardless of location,” said the State House Diaspora Unit, referring to the team led by Edwin Tukamuhebwa and composed of seven other members.

In Guangzhou, the Uganda Consulate took charge of registering Ugandans across Southern China. According to Ambassador Judyth Nsababera, a total of 203 Ugandans were registered for ID renewal between October 2 and October 7. NIRA has also been taking advantage of major events where Ugandans are expected to gather — such as FIFA World Cup qualifier matches — to reach more members of the diaspora community. Meanwhile, on the domestic front, with only 18 days remaining before the close of the mass enrollment and renewal exercise, NIRA reports that its teams have so far covered all parishes across the country.

According to Clare Ollama, the NIRA Registrar, field teams are now focusing on areas where demand for their services remains high. “We are now moving to places where our services are requested. Those who have not seen NIRA teams in their areas should reach out to their respective NIRA district offices and file requests for visits,” Ollama said.

After the mass exercise closes, individuals who will not have renewed their National IDs will be required to visit NIRA district offices for registration. Ollama also revealed that at least three million ID cards have already been produced and dispatched to various parts of the country for issuance.

She added that, for now, only those who have received confirmation notices that their cards are ready can collect them from their respective NIRA district offices until the mass issuance at parish level begins.