The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has confirmed that the first batch of upgraded national identity cards is ready for collection.
According to NIRA Registrar, Claire Ollama, more than 100,000 new cards have been printed and dispatched to respective district offices for applicants who completed their renewal process.
“We ask for patience as notifications are being sent to guide recipients on when and where to collect their new IDs,” Ollama said on Monday. “Those collecting must return to the same stations where their biometric data was captured.”
The upgraded IDs come with several advanced security enhancements aimed at improving identification reliability and minimizing fraud. These include Multiple Laser Images (MLI) for visual authentication, a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) for instant digital verification, and a two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned using smartphones or professional readers.
NIRA also plans to integrate iris recognition into the ID system, adding another layer of biometric security. The cards are made from polycarbonate material and will be valid for 10 years.
This distribution exercise is part of a broader national campaign that began on May 27, 2025, aiming to renew about 15.8 million expired cards and register 17.2 million new applicants—including first-time registrants and Ugandans turning 16.
While initial registration and renewals remain free, applicants will need to pay for lost ID replacements or updates to personal information.
NIRA has emphasized that participation in the mass enrollment campaign is essential for citizens to remain eligible for public services and national programs tied to identity verification.
