The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has received the first batch of 1,000 kits to be used in the coming mass national identification card renewal and registration.
While receiving the first consignment at the Entebbe International Airport’s cargo station, Maj Gen Apollo Goa Kasiita, the member of the NIRA board who also represented the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, noted that the total number of kits expected in the country is 5,665.
“The balance of kits is expected between 7th and 15th January 2025. The delays in receiving kits were occasioned by the supply chain bottlenecks arising from the festive season,” he said.
In addition, he revealed that the contract for the new National Security Information System (NSIS) accounted for new Data Centre equipment, new kits, and related software was signed on 8th July 2024, and now the arrival of the equipment is a great milestone for the incoming registration process.
Kasiita therefore credited the government
of the Republic of Uganda, the leadership at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Internal Security Organisation, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Board, Management, and Staff of NIRA for their concerted effort in preparing for Mass Enrollment and Renewal (MER) despite the challenges.
Among other dignitaries who witnessed the arrival of the first batch at Entebbe International Airport include the NIRA’s Executive Director, Rosemary Kisembo, and vice chairperson of the NIRA board, Benny Namugwanya Bugembe.
The first batch of the current national IDs were issued in 2014 and 2015 with a 10-year life span which are set to expire by June 2025.
The new ID cards will have more security features that can be detected under Ultra Violet in addition to the UV Bi-fluor Red, which are all intended to fight forgery.
Nira indicates that renewing and enrolling is free of charge; however, change of particulars on the ID card and replacement involve some fee.
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