The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) Executive Director, Rosemary Kisembo, has warned Ugandans against falsifying information while registering for the national identification cards.
Kisembo was on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, addressing the media at the Uganda Media Centre, where she emphasized the need to share accurate information with NIRA.
“We appeal to all applicants, guardians, and duty bearers to ensure the accuracy of data provided and avoid falsification of information, as this is an offence and the person liable can be punished by imprisonment,” Kisembo said.
The process, which is already ongoing, is set to enrol 17.2 new million cards and renew 15.8 million IDs that are due to expire.
Kisembo further said that in the past there were people, especially the elderly, who gave false information, and it has come to affect them in the future.
“We had people who gave false information about their actual years, and later on they realised they don’t qualify for SAGE funds (for the elderly) because their IDS show that they have not reached the age to receive the money; this is unfortunate,” Kisembo said.
“We shall have new registrations, renewal, get the first ID for children attaining the age of 16 who already have a NIN, replacement of lost ID and change of particulars,” Kisembo noted.
In August 2022, the Cabinet approved the Mass Enrolment and Renewal Exercise with a budget of UGX. 666.85 billion shillings, which is meant to purchase new systems including software, hardware, operating systems, and all supporting technologies, blank cards, administration costs, fuel, transport, and allowances for 13,000 registration assistants.
Beginning 24th August 2024 to 30th January 2025, up to 3.4 million are set to expire. On 12th August 2024, the Minister of Internal Affairs issued a statutory instrument number 67—The Registration of Persons (Amendment Regulations 2024)—extending the validity of national ID cards by one year from the date of expiry, which means the Ugandan national IDs are still valid and can be used for their different uses until new cards have been given out.
