According to the Authority, Shs666.85 billion has been approved by the cabinet to enrol at least 17.2 million Ugandans and renew 15.8 million ID cards, which are set to expire from August 2024.
The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has introduced a new timeline for the national ID renewal exercise and fresh registrations.
NIRA Executive Director Rosemary Kisembo
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The budget will cover the acquisition of software, hardware, operating systems, and all supporting technology. It will also be used to purchase blank ID cards, fuel, facilitate allowances for 13,000 registration assistants, and cover administrative costs.
NIRA stated that an expired identity card will remain valid for an additional year and can be used for purposes under Sections 65 and 66 of the Registration of Persons Act, such as accessing government services and conducting financial transactions.
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As per the timeline, from October 20 to November 15, the Authority will carry out the installation and configuration of new hardware for the NIRA data centre.
On November 24, 3,000 kits will arrive in Uganda, representing 53.1% of the total 5,665 kits expected.
On November 25, card printing and personalisation equipment will be upgraded to produce 46,000 cards per machine. On the same day, staff will be trained to operate the equipment.
From December 5 - 15, the first batch of 3,000 kits will be distributed to 135 districts and 11 cities, and training for registration assistants will begin.
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On December 17, a further 1,668 kits will arrive, and some of the modules, including new registrations, renewals, ID replacements, and changes of particulars, will go live.
The second batch of machines will be distributed from December 26 to January 5, 2025. On 12th January, 997 kits will arrive as the final batch and will be distributed from January 19 to 29.
Internal affairs minister Maj Gen Kahinda Otafire flanked by Rosemary Kisembo, the executive director of NIRA
Pulse
On January 20, 2025, two additional card printing machines will be delivered and installed, each with a daily production capacity of 80,500 cards.
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NIRA Executive Director, Rosemary Kisembo, emphasised that the goal of the exercise is to ensure all eligible voters, aged 17 and above, are registered and issued with national IDs.
According to Kisembo, the exercise will be conducted every day, including weekends, from 8A.M. to 5P.M.
