The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has resumed issuance of National IDs in a phased manner.
According to Gilbert Kadilo, Spokesperson, NIRA, the Authority has started issuing National IDs in the Districts of Wakiso, Mukono and Jinja. Issuance of IDs had been suspended during the COVID-19 lockdown. Plans to gradually resume operations and provision of service to the public in a phased manner started following the easing of private and public transport.
“As part of the first phase of the process to reopen services, NIRA has commenced a National ID card issuance exercise in the districts of Wakiso, Mukono and Jinja. This exercise that commenced on July 06, 2020 will be done at sub county level will run for a period of 17 days in Wakiso and 13 days in Mukono and Jinja,” Kadilo said.
The 3 mentioned districts have the highest number of unissued National IDs cards. Kadilo says that the issuance of the IDs will also help to decongest the districts ahead of the planned full resumption of services. Apparently, the list of people whose cards are ready for issuance have been shared with Local Council I chairpersons to ensure only those whose cards are available visit issuance centres at their respective Sub County head quarters in those 3 districts.
“Every client visiting the issuance centers is encouraged to observe the Ministry of Health guidelines to curb the spread of COVID-19; wear a face mask, observe social distancing, wash hands with soap and use an alcohol based sanitizer,” Kadilo said, adding that arrangements are underway to resume normal services to the public in other parts of the country.