The Nnabagereka (Queen) of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda, alongside Katikkiro (Prime Minister) Charles Peter Mayiga and other senior officials of the Buganda Kingdom, have taken the lead in the ongoing National Identity Card renewal campaign organized by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).
The mass registration exercise was held at Bulange Mengo, the Kingdom’s administrative headquarters, where the Queen was the first to take part, underscoring the Kingdom’s support for the nationwide identity update initiative.
The Katikkiro, accompanied by members of his cabinet, participated in the renewal process and used the opportunity to rally Ugandans to embrace the exercise.
He emphasized that a valid National ID is now essential for accessing critical services such as employment, travel, acquiring passports, banking, and asserting one’s legal identity.
“A National ID is not just a document. It is your identity, your key to opportunity, and your connection to services that define a dignified life,” Katikkiro Mayiga said.
“I urge all Ugandans, especially Baganda, to take part in this process with urgency and seriousness.”
Rosemary Kisembo, the Executive Director of NIRA, applauded the Kingdom’s leadership for championing the cause and revealed that over 2.5 million people have so far renewed their National IDs.
However, she expressed concern about the low number of registered children, noting that only about 150,000 minors had been enrolled in the system.
“We call on parents and guardians to prioritize registering their children,” Kisembo said.
“A National Identification Number (NIN) is not just for adults. Children, too, need to be documented to secure their future and ensure they are not left behind in service delivery.”
She further emphasized that identity documentation is becoming increasingly critical, especially in the digital age where access to services depends heavily on verified credentials.
Buganda Kingdom’s Attorney General, Christopher Bwanika, echoed the call to action, stressing that many modern services both public and private now require a valid National ID.
He urged Baganda across the Kingdom and in the diaspora to use this opportunity to update their information and secure their place in the national registry.
“Our Kingdom is embracing digital transformation. A valid National ID is now foundational to participating in a modern, connected society,” Bwanika said.
The collaborative effort between NIRA and the Buganda Kingdom marks a significant push to increase public participation in the ongoing ID renewal and registration drive.
By involving high-profile figures and using symbolic venues like Bulange, the campaign seeks to inspire confidence and urgency among citizens.
The current renewal campaign targets Ugandans whose IDs were first issued in 2014 and 2015 and are now expiring.
NIRA has also encouraged individuals who lost their IDs or need to update personal information to take advantage of the ongoing exercise.
As Uganda moves toward a more digitized public service ecosystem, the importance of a valid National ID continues to grow.
The leadership shown by the Buganda Kingdom sends a powerful message about civic responsibility, national unity, and the value of inclusive development.
With millions yet to renew or register, the call from Mengo is clear: “Take action now. Your identity is your right and your responsibility.