With Uganda’s first batch of National Identity Cards already expired and extensions granted to users, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) remains entangled in logistical and financial hurdles that could jeopardize the mass enrolment and renewal exercise ahead of the 2026 elections.
A recent assessment revealed severe funding shortfalls, staffing deficiencies, and an absence of clear strategies for registering Ugandans abroad, raising concerns about the agency’s preparedness.
NIRA initially budgeted Shs600.17 billion for the critical exercise spanning the 2022/23 and 2023/24 financial years, but only Shs262.05 billion was warranted, leaving a gap of Shs338.12 billion—56% of the total requirement.
This funding shortfall has stalled essential preparations, with just Shs 38.06 billion spent so far, while the bulk of the available funds, Shs 223.99 billion, remains tied up in letters of credit for undelivered registration systems and equipment.
The situation is further compounded by severe staffing delays. NIRA had planned to recruit 13,787 temporary personnel to handle the exercise, yet as of December 2024, only 25 have been appointed.
Although 11,595 candidates have passed their final interviews, they remain without appointment letters, and 2,192 positions remain vacant.
This staffing crisis raises concerns over NIRA’s ability to process the expected surge in applications.
The report also exposes gaps in the registration of Ugandans living abroad. While some embassy-based registration kits were earmarked for pre-registration, there is no allocated budget or clear timeline for completing the process.
Without urgent intervention, thousands of diaspora Ugandans risk exclusion from the 2026 elections.
The Auditor General has urged NIRA’s Accounting Officer to implement mechanisms for tracking unutilized funds and fast-track staff recruitment.
The government has also been advised to establish a comprehensive plan, with designated resources, to facilitate timely diaspora registration.
Unless these issues—funding constraints, delayed procurement, staffing shortages, and the lack of a diaspora registration framework—are resolved swiftly, NIRA risks significant delays in issuing new IDs, potential disenfranchisement of voters, and logistical bottlenecks that could undermine the credibility of the 2026 elections.
