The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has disclosed that more than 10,000 national identification cards have been rejected by the system during the ongoing mass renewal exercise.
NIRA warns that individuals who intentionally provide false information that does not match their original records risk facing legal action and could be prosecuted in court.
“We encourage citizens to follow the correct procedures during the National ID Mass Enrollment. Those seeking to make changes to their National ID should go through the formal change-of-particulars process, rather than attempting to register as first-time applicants,” said NIRA spokesperson Claire Ollama.
She also revealed that over 2.5 million Ugandans have so far participated in the exercise at the parish level, which officially began on May 27, 2025.
Renewal is free for applicants who present their old ID, whether in original form or as a photocopy. For those who have lost their ID, a valid police letter is required. A replacement for a lost ID attracts a fee of Shs50,000, while updates or corrections to personal records cost Shs200,000.
Priority during the exercise will be given to individuals whose IDs are due to expire in June 2025.
NIRA’s broader target is to register 17.2 million previously unregistered Ugandans and renew ID cards for 15.8 million existing holders.
To renew a National ID, applicants must present their old card or, if it has been lost, a police letter confirming the loss.
For first-time registration, all Ugandan citizens aged 18 and above must present an introduction letter signed by the LC1 Chairperson and stamped by the Internal Security Officer (GISO or ISO). The letter must include the applicant’s full name, date of birth, tribe, clan, and nationality, as well as similar details for both parents, including their living status.
Applicants under the age of 18 are required to present a photocopy of at least one parent’s National ID. If both parents are deceased, a copy of a blood relative’s National ID will be accepted.
