MITALA UMAR: Embrace National ID Renewal for Uganda’s Future and the 2026 Elections

In 2014, Uganda launched a transformative biometric national identity card system through the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), revolutionizing identity management. With the first batch of National IDs issued between 2014 and 2015 expiring from August 2024 to June 2025, the mass renewal and enrollment exercise starting May 27, 2025, is critical.

As we prepare for the 2026 general elections, the National ID will be essential for ensuring credible voter participation. As the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kayunga District and an NRM party mobiliser, I urge my comrades the RDCs, Resident City Commissioners (RCCs), their deputies and Assistants as well as other stakeholders to mobilize communities for this vital initiative.

The National ID, or “Ndagamuntu”, as commonly referred to by majority of Ugandans is a gateway to opportunity, security, and pride. Equipped with biometric features like fingerprints and facial recognition, it ensures authentic identity verification, enabling access to healthcare, education, and programs like Universal Primary Education (UPE). It supports financial inclusion, transparent transactions, and strengthens democratic processes, particularly for the 2026 elections, where it will verify voters. NIRA has registered 27.4 million Ugandans, with 15.8 million IDs needing renewal and 17.2 million unregistered citizens, especially new applicants aged 16 and above, targeted for enrollment.

The ID system, under the 2015 Registration of Persons Act, has saved Uganda $43 million by creating a credible 2016 voters’ register, streamlined passport issuance, and curbed fraud. New IDs with 2D barcodes will enhance e-commerce and regional transactions. The 10-year renewal cycle updates biometric data and personal details, ensuring a reliable National Identification Register.

NIRA’s exercise will deploy enough registration kits and high-capacity printers, making renewals free and accessible at parish levels. RDCs and RCCs as well as their deputies and Assistants, we must collaborate with local leaders, schools, and civil society to educate communities, dispel myths, and ensure registration, particularly for youth and vulnerable groups. We must support NIRA’s outreach, ensuring logistical support for registration assistants across all our districts in Uganda. Without a valid ID, Ugandans risk exclusion from voting in 2026, banking, and services.

As an assistant RDC and, I see the National ID as a symbol of progress. Let’s lead by example by registering and renewing our expired ID’s and those about to expire. Together, we’ll ensure every Ugandan carries their National ID “Ndagamuntu” proudly for the 2026 elections and beyond.

Mitala Umar is the Assistant RDC for Kayunga District and an NRM Party Mobiliser.
0787806216
umitala@ldc.ac.ug

Contact NIRA at 0800211700 or info@nira.go.ug.