Starting May 27, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) is rolling out a mass identification and renewal exercise across the entire country.

During this exercise, Ugandans expected to get new IDs or renew old ones, every village, parish, and LC1 chairperson is being roped in to make this digital identity storm happen.

NIRA Boss Lady Rosemary Kisembo has told Ugandans not to wait until the last minute for the massive exercise that will span a period of six months.

“Citizens are implored to mobilize friends and families of all ages babies, toddlers, teenagers, the elderly to participate. We’re bringing services closer to the people by working directly through LC1 structures,” Kisembo said.

15.8 million Ugandans will renew their expired National IDs, 17.2 million citizens, many of whom are registering for the first time, will be enrolled.

Each parish will host a registration centre with six operational zones, including: Zone A: For children under 5 and pregnant women, Zone B: Mass registration (with and without online pre-registration), Zone C: ID renewal for those with expiring or expired cards, Zone D: Card issuance zone, Zone E: Persons with Disabilities and elderly under SAGE and Information Area: Document support and local security teams

The registration comes on the back of a pilot project that quietly started on May 2.

According to Internal Affairs Minister, Gen. David Muhoozi, the system has already been tested and proven. “This is not guesswork. We’re rolling out with full force,” he declared.

Unlike previous IDs, the new national identity cards will come with enhanced digital features, including fingerprint and iris scans, improved verification systems for both online and offline use, and access to e-government platforms all designed to make identity verification easier, faster, and more secure.

The cards will also be mobile-friendly and are being issued free of charge to those registering or renewing. However, those who lost their cards will pay UGX 50,000, while anyone correcting wrong details will be charged UGX 200,000.

Muhoozi issued a stern warning to anyone considering multiple registrations, stressing that each citizen has only one National Identification Number (NIN), and any attempt to register more than once would be tracked and penalized.

With the deadline for registration set for August 12, 2025, Ugandans have been warned that failure to renew or obtain their ID could mean being locked out of critical services from banking and voting to school enrollment, government aid, and travel. Authorities are urging everyone to take this opportunity seriously and register early to avoid the last-minute rush.

Secure login to eGovernment platforms

Mobile-friendly tech

And guess what? These smart IDs are FREE — unless you messed up your details or lost your card!

| Want a new card? ✅ FREE |

| Lost your card? 😢 UGX 50,000 |

| Messed up your name? 😬 UGX 200,000 |

🔍 INSIDE THE PARISH REGISTRATION SETUP

Each parish will run like a tech warzone with:

Zone A: Preggy moms and cute toddlers

Zone B: Masses of new entries

Zone C: Old card renewals

Zone D: Card collection zone

Zone E: SAGE elders and persons with disabilities

Plus, an info corner with pens, forms & LC1s on alert!

⚠️ WARNING from Muhoozi:

“Anyone who registers twice is asking for trouble. You have one NIN — use it wisely.”

The clock is ticking — all IDs must be renewed before August 12, 2025, or you could miss services, loans, travel, and even voting!