The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has launched a nationwide campaign aimed at increasing birth registration coverage by offering free birth certificates for children registered within six months of birth.
The initiative, which forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Uganda’s civil registration system, encourages parents to register newborns early to ensure they are captured in the national database.
According to Claire Ollama, a NIRA registrar, the campaign is a long-term programme designed to improve access to registration services and is not a one-off exercise.
“This is a birth registration campaign we are taking to the mainstream to build our national register. It is a service everyone should take part in. This is part and parcel of what NIRA does,” Ollama said.
She explained that parents who register their children within six months will be issued birth certificates free of charge, while those who delay beyond this period will incur standard fees.
Ollama also announced a mobile registration approach targeting organised groups such as churches and mosques, where registration teams will be deployed on-site.
“If you belong to a church, mosque or any other group and you confirm that you have at least 10 children ready, you can notify us through email or our social media platforms, and we will come to you,” she said.
She noted that parents will not be required to bring infants during the exercise.
“Registering a baby below six months does not require the child to be present. You only need the parents’ national ID and details of the child’s birth,” she added.
Ollama further explained that the group-based approach is intended to improve efficiency and ensure adherence to public health considerations.
She also clarified the revised fee structure for late registration. Children aged between seven and nine months will pay Shs 10,000, those between 10 months and 17 years will pay Shs 20,000, while individuals aged 18 years and above will pay Shs 50,000.
The campaign was launched with the registration of a newborn linked to Minister of State Phiona Nyamutooro and musician Edrisa Musuuza, popularly known as Eddy Kenzo.
