In a strategic move toward improving Uganda’s identity system, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has announced that more than 100,000 upgraded national identity cards are now available for collection. This milestone comes as part of the ongoing mass renewal and registration drive that kicked off on May 27.
According to NIRA Registrar Claire Ollama, the newly printed IDs have already been dispatched to designated districts. Applicants are required to pick up their cards from the same location where their biometric data was initially captured. NIRA has urged Ugandans to await official SMS notifications before attempting to collect their IDs.
These new cards are not just ordinary replacements. They come with enhanced security features, including laser engraving technology, a 2D barcode, and a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ), all of which improve data protection and make duplication nearly impossible.
But why is this important?
A National ID is more than a card. It is the key to essential services like healthcare, banking, voting, passport application, and social protection programs. Without one, many Ugandans are excluded from both government and private sector services.
These upgrades signal Uganda’s move toward a digitised and secure identity ecosystem, helping citizens safely interact with institutions and claim their rights.
Let’s all stay informed, pick up our cards when ready, and support efforts to ensure every Ugandan has secure identification.
