Uganda is set to launch an ambitious mass enrolment initiative aimed at enhancing national identification and streamlining access to essential services.
Led by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) under the strategic direction of Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi, the program seeks to register 17.2 million unregistered Ugandans and renew 15.8 million identification cards by December 2025.
As Uganda continues to grow economically and demographically, the necessity of a comprehensive national identification system has become increasingly urgent.
Minister Gen. David Muhoozi has identified this need as crucial for national security, economic development, and governance.
The mass enrolment exercise is not just about issuing identification cards but aims to create a robust national database that will facilitate improved service delivery, streamline government processes, and enhance national security.
NIRA, guided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, has already made significant progress in preparing for this enormous undertaking.
A total of 13,787 personnel have been recruited to ensure the exercise is conducted efficiently across the country.
These personnel will be deployed to 10,717 locations, guaranteeing that even the most remote areas are covered.
The recruitment process was rigorous, with candidates tested on their competency in data capture and other relevant skills.
Out of 155,915 applicants, approximately 62,000 passed the stringent selection process, reflecting the government’s commitment to quality and efficiency in this exercise.
Preparatory Activities: Laying the Groundwork
Several critical activities have already been completed, paving the way for the commencement of the mass enrolment. These include:
Appropriation of Funds: Securing the necessary budget was the first crucial step, ensuring that the exercise is well-funded and sustainable.
Procurement of Materials: This involved acquiring 8 million blank identification cards and other essential materials required for the enrolment process.
Stakeholder Engagements: NIRA has conducted extensive consultations with district leadership, religious, cultural, and opinion leaders to ensure broad-based support and cooperation across the country.
Contract Signing: A key milestone was the signing of contracts with vendors, ensuring that all logistical and technical needs are met.
The mass enrolment exercise is scheduled to begin on 15th October 2024, with an initial phase of online pre-registration. This approach not only modernizes the process but also reduces the burden on physical registration centers, ensuring a more streamlined and efficient process.
Minister Gen. David Muhoozi has emphasized the importance of this phase in reducing long queues and wait times, making the process more convenient for Ugandans across the country.
Interim Measures: Bridging the Gap
Recognizing the importance of continuity, NIRA has implemented interim measures for those above the age of 16 years. Until the new system is fully operational, individuals are encouraged to register using the current infrastructure.
This ensures that no one is left behind as the country transitions to a more advanced system.
A key component of the mass enrolment exercise is the deployment of 5,650 Biometric Registration Kits.
These kits are equipped with advanced technology to capture and store biometric data accurately. To address challenges in rural areas, the kits will be supplemented with portable solar panels and additional batteries to mitigate power outages.
Additionally, iris scanners will be introduced to enhance the accuracy of data capture, ensuring that the new system is as foolproof as possible. The introduction of a secondary display will allow applicants to review their data in real time, ensuring accuracy and transparency in the registration process.
System Integration:
A National Network for Real-Time Verification
One of the most significant advancements in this exercise is the integration of NIRA’s system with 90 other institutions, including telecommunications companies and banks. This integration enables real-time biometric and biographic verification, providing a robust framework for identity management across the country.
Minister Gen. David Muhoozi has highlighted this integration as a critical step in ensuring that the national ID is not just a piece of paper but a gateway to a wide range of services, from banking to healthcare.
The mass enrolment exercise spearheaded by Minister Gen. David Muhoozi underscores Uganda’s commitment to building a modern, efficient, and inclusive identification system.
By the end of 2025, Uganda will have a comprehensive database that will not only enhance service delivery but also strengthen national security and governance.
As the country prepares for this historic exercise, the government reassures the public that every citizen will be registered and encouraged to exercise all the rights and obtain access to services that come with national identification.