By The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has launched a mass registration and renewal exercise for National Identity Cards at Bulange Mengo, in partnership with the Buganda Kingdom and other stakeholders. The initiative is part of a wider national effort to ensure that citizens are properly documented ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Latest
South Korean woman fined for pulling down male colleague’s trousers
Museveni Orders Fresh Budget Review for War Veterans’ Welfare
NRM Welcomes High-Level Communist Party of China Delegation to Uganda
Besigye Is the True Hero, Say PFF Leaders as He Marks 200 Days in Luzira
Gen Muhoozi Orders Release of Senior Army Officer Linked to Gold Dealer Kidnap, Robbery
Lukwago Hails Besigye as a National Hero, Claims Plot to Execute Him Was Foiled
Road Works Disrupt Kampala–Jinja Highway, Alternative Routes Advised
Speaking during the official launch, Buganda’s Minister for Information, Israel Kazibwe Kitooke, emphasized the importance of National Identity Cards (IDs), especially during the electoral season. He urged all citizens—particularly youth in and around Kampala—to take advantage of the opportunity to renew or acquire their IDs.
“This is a momentous occasion. Many of our IDs have expired, and this exercise gives everyone the chance to update their documentation,” Kazibwe said. “We urge all people, especially the youth, to come and register. Without this document, you may face restrictions, particularly during elections or in matters of security.”
Kazibwe also hinted at the possibility of extending the exercise depending on public demand. “We are hosting this registration for a full day, but if the turnout exceeds expectations, we are prepared to organize additional sessions.”
Robert Kasumba, the Manager for Monitoring and Evaluation at NIRA, echoed the importance of national IDs for accessing critical services. He revealed that more than 100 government ministries, departments, and private entities are now interconnected to ensure that services are accessed through digital identity verification.
“Without a National ID, one cannot access services in health, education, or even banking. That’s why we are calling on all Ugandans to register immediately,” Kasumba said.
He further clarified that the entire process is free of charge and fully funded by the government. “This is a government-sponsored initiative. No one should be asked for money,” he said, stressing the agency’s commitment to a corruption-free process.
Kasumba also issued a stern warning to any officials who may attempt to extort money from citizens during the exercise. “We have zero tolerance for corruption. If any NIRA staff demand payment, please report them to the police immediately. Offenders will be dealt with according to the law,” he added.
The ID registration campaign at Bulange Mengo comes as part of a broader countrywide mobilization effort by NIRA in preparation for the 2026 elections, aiming to boost civic engagement, ensure proper identification, and strengthen national systems
