NIRA Sets 53-Day Countdown to Register Eligible Voters for 2026 

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NIRA Sets 53-Day Countdown to Register Eligible Voters for 2026 
NIRA ED, Rosemary Kisembo

NIRA’s Executive Director, Rosemary Kisembo, highlighted the urgency of the nationwide registration, targeting all Ugandans aged 18 and above who need to be registered and issued National Identity Cards before voting.

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has launched a 53-day registration drive to enroll eligible voters ahead of Uganda's 2026 general elections.

The registration exercise, which began on September 27, 2024, will continue until November 23, 2024, to ensure that the Electoral Commission meets its November 30 deadline for submitting the voter list.

NIRA’s Executive Director, Rosemary Kisembo, highlighted the urgency of the nationwide registration, targeting all Ugandans aged 18 and above who need to be registered and issued National Identity Cards before voting.

"The objective is clear: to ensure that all eligible voters are registered before the November 30 cutoff," Kisembo stated.

"While we are emphasizing eligible voters for the electoral process, the registration exercise is open to all Ugandans, including those under 18 who need their IDs."

In collaboration with the Electoral Commission, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry for the Presidency, and local authorities, NIRA has rolled out a mobile registration campaign.

This outreach brings services directly to citizens, with mobile units stationed at sub-county headquarters, schools, worship centres, and other public spaces, particularly in remote areas.

Registration teams are operating daily from 8am to 5pm, including weekends, with regular updates provided through radio, local councils, and district leaders.

Communities are encouraged to take advantage of the mobile units to ensure no one is left unregistered.

Although new ID registration is free, Kisembo noted that those seeking to amend personal details or replace lost IDs must pay the applicable fees. She also acknowledged challenges, such as the overlap with academic year-end exams, which complicates the registration of students—a key demographic in the exercise.

“We are facing real challenges in ensuring smooth operations, but we are committed to meeting the Electoral Commission’s timeline,” Kisembo affirmed.

She added that NIRA is employing both traditional and innovative methods to maximize citizen participation within the 53-day period.

The clock is ticking, and NIRA is urging all eligible Ugandans to register by the final deadline on November 23, 2024. Additionally, expired IDs must be renewed by January 30, 2025.

Key Deadlines and Information:

  • Registration Period: September 27, 2024 – November 23, 2024
  • Voter Registration Submission Deadline: November 30, 2024
  • Expired ID Renewal Deadline: January 30, 2025
  • Target Enrollment: 17.2 million unregistered Ugandans
  • Renewal Target: 15.8 million IDs

“We are calling on all Ugandans to come forward and register, ensuring they can participate in the electoral process and access other essential services,” Kisembo said.

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