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Expired Citizens: NIRA Keeps Nation Guessing on IDs Renewal

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Expired Citizens: NIRA Keeps Nation Guessing on IDs Renewal
NIRA ID registration in Karamoja | Richard Oyel

MPs Express Concern Over NIRA’s Silence Ahead of National ID Renewal Rollout

NATIONAL | As the country counts down to the start of the National Identification Renewal exercise, uncertainty looms over the readiness of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).

The exercise is expected to target 17.2 million citizens who have never registered and 15.8 million Ugandans who need to renew their IDs, which are set to expire in two months.

However, with just hours to go before the massive rollout, NIRA has remained silent, leaving the public and members of parliament (MPs) in the dark about the process.

This has led to growing frustration among lawmakers, who are warning NIRA against any further delays.

MPs have expressed their concerns, pointing out that NIRA has yet to provide clear communication on the procedures for the renewal and enrollment exercise, a process crucial for millions of Ugandans, particularly with the 2026 general election on the horizon.

Parliament Sounds Alarm

Speaking on the matter, MP Lutamaguzi Ssemakula voiced his frustration:

"As an MP, even I don’t have the necessary information. By now, you would expect agents to be on the ground and information to be flowing."

The renewal process was initially scheduled to begin between June and September 2024 but was postponed to October 15 after NIRA announced it was not ready.

Despite the postponement, MPs are now questioning NIRA’s preparedness and ability to handle such a large-scale exercise after a decade since the first batch of IDs was issued.

In a parliamentary session earlier this year, NIRA requested a budget of UGX 600 billion to facilitate the process.

MPs supported the move, and the Speaker of Parliament even issued directives to fast-track the planning. However, MPs are now seeking answers about how the funds will be used.

"It’s broad daylight robbery," one MP stated, referring to the hefty budget.

"We already bought the infrastructure for this. Why do we need UGX 600 billion to renew IDs?"

Software, Procurement Delays

There are also concerns regarding the technology and systems required for the exercise.

It has been reported that NIRA’s contract with its software provider, Muhlbauer, expired, and the new system is not yet operational.

Additionally, rumors suggest that the Internal Security Organization (ISO) may be involved in the procurement of the kits necessary for the Mass Enrolment and Renewal Project.

MPs have called for transparency in the process and demanded that NIRA ensure the rollout proceeds as planned.

With elections approaching, they stressed that many Ugandans rely on valid national IDs to register as voters and update their information on the electoral register.

"We are going into an election. People need IDs to register and update their details. How can we do that in the midst of this uncertainty?" one MP questioned.

"We must hold these authorities accountable," he added.

As the October 15 deadline approaches, the nation waits to see whether NIRA will fulfill its commitment to roll out the mass ID renewal exercise or issue yet another postponement.

 

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