NIRA Launches Mass National ID Renewal Campaign – Completely Free of Charge
Six-month nationwide initiative brings ID services directly to Ugandans across all districts
My name is Pamela Ankunda, and I’d like to share some insights about the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and the significance of what we’re witnessing today.
NIRA holds a special place in my heart as it was where I first discovered my passion for strategic communications. The NIRA assignment was both challenging and deeply meaningful—being at the center of an initiative that would fundamentally transform how Ugandans access virtually every essential service in our country.
NIRA emerged from the foundations laid by the National Information Security System (NSIS), bringing together a remarkable coalition of agencies: the Electoral Commission for voter registration, Immigration for passport services, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics for census operations, security agencies for recruitment processes, and NITA-U as our technical backbone. What an extraordinary team assembled!
During those formative years, we were blessed to work under the guidance of visionary leaders whom God, in His wisdom, later called home—James Saka, the former Executive Director of NITA-U, and General Aronda Nyakairima, our Internal Affairs Minister. General Aronda was more than a supervisor; he was a mentor who taught us the difference between working for time and working for impact. He encouraged us to embrace our mistakes as learning opportunities and constantly reminded us that our ultimate service was to Uganda itself.
I’ll never forget his words: “Walk up the mountain. When you get to the top and see down the valley, you’ll be grateful you walked. But keep walking, because there are other mountains to climb. – This is business unusual”
Years have passed since many of us moved on from NIRA, and today we witness the launch of the mass renewal of National IDs. I feel immense pride watching the current team carry forward this vital mission, because having a fully registered population remains central to our national development in ways we must never underestimate. Heartily congratulations to Gen. Kahinda Otafire, Gen. David Muhoozi, Rosemary Kisembo and the entire NIRA team
NIRA today launched an unprecedented mass renewal campaign for national identity cards, marking a transformative moment in Uganda’s commitment to ensuring every citizen has access to this fundamental document. The comprehensive six-month initiative, running through November 2025, brings ID renewal services directly to communities nationwide at absolutely no cost to citizens.
Free Renewal for All Ugandans
NIRA has emphasized that the mass renewal exercise is entirely free of charge, eliminating financial barriers that may have previously prevented Ugandans from maintaining valid identification documents. This zero-cost approach demonstrates the government’s commitment to making essential services accessible to all citizens, regardless of their economic circumstances.
“We want every Ugandan to understand that renewing your national ID will not cost you a single shilling,” said NIRA officials. “This is a public service designed to ensure every citizen maintains valid identification without financial burden.”
Convenience at the Heart of the Campaign
Breaking from traditional bureaucratic constraints, NIRA has introduced unprecedented flexibility in the renewal process. Citizens can now renew their national IDs from any location across the country, eliminating the previous requirement to return to their original registration site. This revolutionary approach recognizes the mobility of modern Ugandans and removes geographical barriers to accessing essential services.
The authority operates Monday through Saturday nationwide, maximizing opportunities for working citizens, students, and busy families to access renewal services at their convenience.
Comprehensive Coverage Across All Districts
Every district in Uganda has developed tailored programs to ensure no citizen is left behind. NIRA’s ambitious goal is to reach every parish across the nation, bringing services directly to communities rather than requiring citizens to travel long distances to access ID renewal facilities.
District-specific programs have been designed to accommodate local needs, work schedules, and community dynamics, ensuring that rural and urban populations alike receive equal access to renewal services.
The Critical Importance of National IDs
National identity cards serve as the foundation of civic participation and access to essential services in Uganda. These documents are required for:
Financial Services: Opening bank accounts, accessing loans, mobile money services, and participating in Uganda’s growing digital economy requires valid national identification.
Electoral Participation: Voting in elections and referendums, the cornerstone of democratic participation, depends on having a valid national ID.
Healthcare Access: Many healthcare facilities and insurance programs require national IDs for service delivery and patient record management.
Education Services: University applications, scholarship programs, and various educational opportunities require valid identification documents.
Employment Opportunities: Formal employment, government positions, and many private sector jobs mandate valid national identification.
Property Rights: Land transactions, property registration, and inheritance processes all require proper identification.
Government Services: Accessing social services, applying for passports, and engaging with various government departments requires valid IDs.
Business Registration: Entrepreneurs need valid IDs to register businesses, obtain licenses, and access government business support programs.
Special Provisions for Different Situations
NIRA has created specific pathways to accommodate various citizen circumstances:
Expired IDs: Citizens with expired national IDs should bring their old cards to facilitate the renewal process, ensuring continuity of their identification records.
Lost or Stolen IDs: Those who have lost their identification documents can still participate in the renewal process by presenting a police report. Importantly, this service remains completely free of charge, ensuring that citizens who have experienced theft or loss face no financial penalty.
First-time Registrants: The campaign provides an exceptional opportunity for Ugandans, particularly young adults and children who have reached the age of registration, to obtain their first national ID. This is especially crucial for ensuring that all eligible citizens participate fully in Uganda’s civic and economic life.
Correction of Errors: While most services remain free, citizens requiring corrections to personal particulars on their IDs can access these services through bank payment systems, ensuring transparency and proper documentation of any modifications.
A National Unity Initiative
The mass renewal campaign represents more than administrative efficiency; it embodies Uganda’s commitment to inclusive citizenship. By removing barriers, reducing costs, and bringing services to communities, NIRA is strengthening the social contract between government and citizens.
This initiative recognizes that every Ugandan, regardless of location, economic status, or circumstances, deserves equal access to the documentation that enables full participation in national life. From the bustling markets of Kampala to remote villages across the country, every citizen can access these essential services.
Looking Forward: Building a More Connected Uganda
The six-month timeline demonstrates NIRA’s commitment to thorough, comprehensive service delivery rather than rushed, inadequate coverage. This extended period ensures that working citizens, students, farmers during different seasons, and families can all find convenient times to access renewal services.
The campaign also positions Uganda for enhanced digital governance, improved service delivery, and stronger civic participation. With more citizens holding valid national IDs, Uganda can better implement social programs, improve electoral processes, and enhance security through proper identification systems.
Community Mobilisation and Awareness
NIRA encourages community leaders, religious organizations, schools, and local governments to support citizen awareness efforts. Every renewed ID strengthens not just individual opportunities but community resilience and national development.
Families are encouraged to ensure all eligible members participate in the renewal process, particularly focusing on young adults who may need their first national ID and older citizens whose documents may have expired.
Managing Expectations: Acknowledging Potential Challenges
While NIRA’s mass renewal campaign represents a monumental achievement in public service delivery, it’s important for citizens to understand that an undertaking of this magnitude may face occasional operational challenges.
System Capacity Considerations: The national ID registration system may experience periods of high demand that could temporarily slow processing times. During peak periods, citizens may encounter longer wait times as the system manages the unprecedented volume of renewal requests across all districts simultaneously.
Human Elements in Service Delivery: This comprehensive initiative relies on dedicated personnel working across the country to serve citizens. As with any human-centered process, there may be variations in service speed and efficiency as staff adapt to the intensive six-month campaign schedule. Citizens are encouraged to approach renewal centers with patience and understanding.
Operational Realities: Given the scale and ambition of reaching every parish nationwide, there may be occasional delays or service interruptions as teams navigate logistical challenges, weather conditions, and the complexities of delivering consistent services across Uganda’s diverse geographical landscape.
The Bigger Picture: Despite these potential temporary inconveniences, NIRA remains committed to its ultimate goal of ensuring every eligible Ugandan obtains or renews their national identification. While processes may sometimes experience brittleness—as is natural with any large-scale public initiative—the overarching objective of universal ID coverage will ultimately be achieved.
Citizens are encouraged to remain patient and supportive as NIRA works tirelessly to serve the nation. These temporary challenges pale in comparison to the transformative impact of ensuring every Ugandan has access to the identification documents essential for full participation in our country’s social and economic life.
A Monumental Opportunity
This mass renewal campaign represents a monumental opportunity for Uganda to achieve near-universal national ID coverage. With free services, flexible locations, extended operating hours, and comprehensive district coverage, barriers to obtaining and maintaining valid identification have been systematically eliminated.
Citizens are encouraged to take advantage of this comprehensive service delivery initiative, ensuring they maintain the documentation necessary for full participation in Uganda’s growing economy and vibrant democracy.
For more information about renewal locations and schedules in your district, contact your local government offices and district leaders or visit designated renewal centers operating Monday through Saturday across the nation.
The Mass National ID Renewal Campaign runs from May 27, 2025, through November 2025, bringing free, accessible identification services to every corner of Uganda.
The writer works at the Office of the Vice President and juggles private work as the team-lead at APT Communications.