Uganda’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has initiated a large-scale digital identity enrolment drive to register 17.2 million citizens aged 17 and above. This initiative is in preparation for the 2026 general elections, aiming to ensure the updated voter list is ready by November 30, 2024. The registration, which began on September 27 and runs until November 23, 2024, focuses primarily on eligible voters, but younger citizens are also encouraged to enroll.
NIRA’s Executive Director, Rosemary Kisembo, emphasized the significance of issuing National IDs before the electoral deadline. The registration process involves collaboration with government agencies such as the Electoral Commission and the Ministry of Education. Registration is available daily, including weekends, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and while new enrollments are free, changes to personal details will incur a fee.
This enrolment drive is part of a broader plan to renew 15.8 million existing IDs during the 2024/25 fiscal year. The Ugandan government has allocated 666.85 billion Shillings to support this effort. In preparation, NIRA announced its intention to use 5,680 biometric kits, featuring advanced iris scanners, for the registration process. Additionally, 13,000 personnel will be deployed across 10,717 parishes to facilitate smooth operations.
The government has also extended the validity of expiring IDs by one year to prevent service disruptions. NIRA has partnered with 90 institutions, including banks and telecom providers, to ensure real-time access to ID data. While the biometrics vendor for the project has not been finalized, previous suppliers like Veridos and Muehlbauer High Tech International, both involved in Uganda’s national ID card system, are possible contenders.
Source: ID Tech
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October 17, 2024 – by the Mobile ID World Editorial Team
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