More than 13.3 million Ugandans have so far renewed their National Identity Cards following the National Identification and Registration Authority’s (NIRA) decision to extend the nationwide mass renewal and registration exercise to February 2026.
NIRA said the extension is meant to give all eligible citizens enough time to replace expired IDs, update personal information, and complete first-time registration. The move targets those who were unable to register earlier due to distance, congestion, or logistical challenges.
The mass renewal exercise was launched after NIRA established that millions of IDs issued between 2014 and 2015 had expired or were close to expiration, affecting access to key services.
According to the authority, the renewed IDs come with improved security features to reduce fraud and identity theft. They are also better connected to government and institutional databases, making verification easier for public offices, banks, telecom companies, and private organisations.
Commenting on the progress, NIRA officials said the high numbers reflect growing public awareness of the importance of a National ID.
“The numbers show that citizens appreciate the value of a National ID in daily life, from accessing government services to participating in economic activities,” a senior NIRA official said.
NIRA noted that challenges such as limited equipment, poor network connectivity, and high population numbers slowed registration in some areas, especially island districts, mountainous regions, and informal urban settlements.
With the deadline extended, the authority plans to deploy more mobile registration teams, increase registration kits, and work closely with local leaders to reach underserved communities. Priority will be given to the elderly, persons with disabilities, and people in remote areas.
The National ID remains a key requirement for accessing services such as banking, SIM card registration, government programmes, voting, and property transactions. NIRA has urged citizens with expired or soon-to-expire IDs to renew early and avoid last-minute rush.
The authority also reminded the public that National ID registration and renewal are free of charge, warning against fraudsters who demand payment. The extended exercise will help build a more accurate and reliable national population register ahead of the February 2026 deadline.
