Kampala, Uganda — In a significant stride towards digital governance, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has unveiled an online pre-registration portal, enabling Ugandans to initiate the process of obtaining or renewing their national identification cards from any location with internet access. This initiative caters to both first-time applicants and individuals seeking to renew expired IDs.
Streamlining Identity Verification
Upon completing the online application, users receive a unique identification code to present at the nearest NIRA center, where officials will capture biometric data, including iris scans. To ensure optimal user experience, NIRA recommends utilizing computers over mobile phones when accessing the portal.
The ID renewal exercise commenced with a pilot phase from May 2 to May 26, 2025, involving NIRA’s board members and leadership from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Nationwide registration opens to the public on May 27, 2025.
Cost and Priority Details
Renewal is free for individuals presenting their old ID, whether original or photocopied. In cases of lost IDs, a valid police report suffices. However, a fee of Shs50,000 applies for replacing lost IDs, while corrections or changes to existing records incur a cost of Shs200,000. Priority will be given to individuals whose IDs are set to expire in June 2025.
Demographic Context
According to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, Uganda’s population has reached approximately 45.9 million, marking an increase of 11.3 million since 2014. Notably, children aged 0–17 years constitute 50.5% of the population, while youth aged 18–30 years make up 22.7% . This youthful demographic underscores the importance of accessible identification services to facilitate civic participation and access to services.
Technological Advancements
In July 2024, NIRA partnered with Tahaluf Al Emarat Technical Solutions to enhance the registration process. Under this agreement, the company supplied 5,665 biometric kits, all delivered by January 2025 and distributed nationwide in February. This deployment aims to bolster the efficiency and reach of the identification process across the country.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the online pre-registration portal represents a pivotal move towards integrating technology into public service delivery. As Uganda continues to experience rapid population growth, particularly among the youth, such initiatives are crucial in ensuring inclusive and efficient access to essential services.
