The mass renewal of national identification cards will start in May, according to the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi.
Gen. Muhoozi revealed the development while responding to the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs' report on the 2025/2026 ministerial policy statement and budget estimates. The report was presented by Committee Chairperson, Wilson Kajwengye, on April 9.
“The plan is to pilot the process with government employees, starting with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Identification Registration Authority (NIRA),” Muhoozi said.
He confirmed that all equipment and software for the renewal process have been tested and are ready to go. He added that a comprehensive report on the renewal and registration process for national IDs will be provided soon.
This update follows concerns raised by Milton Muwuma (NRM, Kigulu County South), who called for ID renewals ahead of the 2026 general elections. “Some of us have expired IDs, and this alone can disqualify someone from the nominations,” Muwuma pointed out.
Isaias Ssasaga, Budadiri County East MP, also inquired about the status of primary and secondary school learners registered for IDs but yet to receive them. “Will the children be part of the new registration process or will they receive the old IDs?” he asked.
Muhoozi explained that these learners would have the option to choose between the old IDs or the new ones with enhanced features.
The committee’s report shows that the government needs Shs145 billion to procure blank IDs for over six million Ugandans and renew five million IDs. However, only Shs24.5 billion has been allocated for this in the upcoming financial year.
“The committee recommends Shs120.7 billion in the 2025/2026 budget to enable NIRA to complete the enrollment before the 2026 general elections,” Kajwengye said.
The committee also suggested that Shs587 billion be allocated for the nationwide rollout of the sub-county policing model. The Uganda Police Force tested the model in Greater Masaka during the 2023/24 financial year.
Over Shs5 billion has been allocated for the construction of 30 model police stations and the completion of 11 in Greater Masaka. This will also cover the procurement of 333 motorcycles and communication equipment.
However, the committee report noted a funding gap of Shs587 billion.
Brenda Nabukenya, Luwero District Woman MP, welcomed the sub-county policing model rollout but emphasised the need to prioritise fuel for the motorcycles. “Usually, we limit the use of motorcycles because we don’t provide money for fuel,” she said.
Emely Kugonza (NRM, Buyanja East County) acknowledged the model’s innovation but pointed out the lack of police posts and accommodation for officers. “Thorough planning is needed; we need to ensure police officers are well-catered for, otherwise they will become a menace,” Kugonza stated.
Other legislators highlighted the transport challenges faced by existing police stations, urging for better provision of vehicles and motorcycles. Frank Kabuye pointed out that Kassanda has only one vehicle for emergencies. “We must prioritise providing transport means and ensuring there are funds for vehicle maintenance,” he said.
Minister Muhoozi also noted that the government plans to introduce electric motorcycles to address the ongoing fuel shortage.
