The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has rolled out an online portal allowing Ugandans to start their ID registration or renewal from anywhere.
Applicants can use the self-service function for first-time registration or card renewals. After completing the online steps, the system generates a unique application ID.
This must be presented at the nearest registration centre for biometric capture, including iris scans.
NIRA has advisers Ugandans to use a computer rather than a phone for smoother access.
The National ID renewal drive began with a pilot phase running from May 2 to May 26, 2025, involving NIRA Board and Ministry of Internal Affairs officials.
Full nationwide registration starts on May 27.
Fees apply for certain services: Shs200,000 for changes or corrections to existing IDs and Shs50,000 to replace lost cards. Renewals remain free if applicants present their expired ID (original or photocopy).
Lost IDs require a valid police report. Children under 18 can register for free with a parent’s ID copy. If parents are unavailable, a grandparent or blood relative’s ID will suffice.
Adults must also provide local authority letters or citizenship certificates.
NIRA signed a deal with Tahaluf Al Emarat Technical Solutions on July 8, 2024, supplying 5,665 biometric kits by January 2025. Two high-capacity card printers, delivering 100,000 laser-engraved IDs daily, were installed in March. Data centre upgrades were completed between October 2024 and January 2025.
New IDs should be ready within four weeks, though delays are expected in the first three to five months due to high demand.
Processing times may later drop to two weeks. NIRA targets August 12, 2025, to complete renewals before the extended ID validity period lapses. Collected IDs will be delivered to applicants’ residences.