Uganda’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has launched a new online pre-registration portal as part of its sweeping effort to modernize the country’s national ID enrollment system. The portal allows citizens to begin the registration or renewal process remotely before completing in-person biometric verification at local parish registration sites.
Massive Enrollment Push Begins
The portal launch is a key milestone in NIRA’s goal of processing 15.8 million ID renewals and registering 17.2 million new applicants by June 2025. These efforts began with preparation phases in late 2024 and officially entered full-scale public rollout on May 27, 2025. Citizens can access the portal via NIRA’s official website, where they complete an initial application and receive a unique reference code to present during their biometric appointment.
Biometric data capture includes fingerprints, iris scans, and signature verification. According to NIRA Executive Director Rosemary Kisembo, the system gives citizens flexibility. “Applicants can either pre-register online and visit the parish site to complete the process with a signature, or register manually at the parish registration point,” she said.
To support the initiative, NIRA has deployed 5,300 biometric registration kits across Uganda. Each parish receives at least 10 kits, with higher numbers allocated to densely populated areas. An additional 365 kits are in reserve for emergency use. Registration will occur six days per week at parish centers, with district coordination committees –led by Resident District Commissioners – overseeing local operations and fraud prevention.
Part of a Regional Digital Identity Movement
NIRA’s campaign reflects a broader trend in East Africa, where governments are increasingly turning to digital identity platforms to strengthen identity management systems. Neighboring countries have launched similar programs, seeking to streamline public service delivery and improve national security through modern ID infrastructure.
Standard ID registration and renewal services are offered free of charge. However, NIRA has implemented a fee structure for certain updates. Citizens requesting changes to their ID particulars must pay Shs200,000 unless the correction is due to an administrative error by the agency. Kisembo has emphasized that fees are intended to support the sustainability of services while ensuring basic access remains available to all.
Sources: Kampala Edge Times, APT News
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May 27, 2025 – by Cass Kennedy
