The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has officially launched a six-month mass renewal and registration exercise for national identity cards in Katakwi district.
The program, which began this week, is aimed at renewing expired IDs and registering new applicants, with an estimated target of over 1,000 residents in the district.
Speaking during the launch, Irene Tumwa, the NIRA Registrar for Katakwi district, emphasized the significance of possessing a valid national ID, especially in today’s increasingly digitized environment.
“A national ID is essential for accessing various services including travel, banking, mobile money transactions, and even healthcare,” Tumwa said. “We encourage all residents to take advantage of this exercise to avoid the inconveniences that come with expired documents.”
The exercise Is being carried out across different registration points in the district, including the St. Stephens NIRA center, where many residents flocked for services. Among them was Romaldo Olinga, a 73-year-old resident of Kampala cell in Katakwi town council, who expressed satisfaction with the smooth process.
“It has been long overdue, but I’m grateful for this opportunity. The system is faster than before, and I was attended to within a short time,” Olinga said. He urged fellow residents, especially the elderly, to prioritize getting their documents updated.
To ensure the process runs efficiently, the NIRA office in Katakwi has equipped its teams with the necessary tools and infrastructure. This includes alternative internet networks and solar power systems to address challenges of poor connectivity and unreliable electricity in remote areas.
While the renewal of expired IDs is being conducted free of charge, Tumwa clarified that any alterations to key personal details, such as names or dates of birth will incur a charge.
“Any changes initiated by the custodian will attract a fee of 200,000 Ugandan shillings, which must be paid to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). This policy is in place to maintain the integrity of the identification system,” she explained.
Victor Opede, the Assistant Registration Officer for Katakwi district, also announced that IDs previously left unclaimed are now available for pickup at the respective sub-county offices. “We urge all individuals who applied for IDs in the past and never collected them to visit their sub-county centers. This is an opportunity to clear backlogs and improve overall service delivery,” Opede said.
The renewal program comes as part of a broader national campaign by NIRA to register over 15 million current ID holders and issue IDs to 17 million new applicants across the country.
The new ID cards will include enhanced features such as digital photographs and iris biometrics, making them more secure and efficient for identification purposes.
As the exercise gains momentum, NIRA is calling on all citizens, especially those whose IDs are set to expire by June 2025, to participate early and avoid last-minute rushes.
The authority has pledged to maintain transparency and professionalism throughout the process, ensuring that all Ugandans have access to the vital identification document required for everyday life.