National Primary Schools MDD Festival 2023 Puts Spotlight on NIN Registration as a Birth Right

The Ministry of Education and Sports Uganda, in collaboration with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), has rallied all residents of the Bunyoro region to embrace the culmination of the National Primary Schools’ Music, Dance, and Drama Festival 2023.

This prestigious event, which showcases the immense talent of young students while promoting a vital civic responsibility, will be held at Duhaga Secondary School in Hoima City from August 28th to September 3rd, 2023.

Over 300 primary schools from diverse corners of the nation have passionately engaged in the spirit of competition, expressing themselves through the captivating mediums of music, dance, and drama.

Under the theme “My NIN, My Birth Right,” school choirs have ingeniously explored the benefits, requirements, and procedures of National Identification Number (NIN) registration. Through the enchantment of songs, poems, drama, creative dances, and traditional folk tunes, these young performers have conveyed the significance of NIN registration in a compelling manner. The power of the performing arts has conveyed key points about NIN registration including;

1. Mandatory Birth Certificate: A NIN is essential for obtaining a birth certificate, which establishes one’s nationality, age, place of birth, and parental details.
2. Education and Beyond: NIN is a prerequisite for registering for the Primary Leaving Examination, and it also unlocks access to government services, including passports and driving permits.
3. Child Protection: In cases of child trafficking or kidnapping, a NIN and birth certificate play a crucial role in proving a child’s age during legal proceedings.
4. Financial Empowerment: A NIN can be used to open a bank account for children under 16 years who lack a National Identification Card.
5. Legal Support: NIN assists in acquiring continued child support and inheritance rights in legal disputes involving children.

The performances also educate parents and guardians about the NIN registration process:

1. Parental NIN Requirement: For a child to be registered for a NIN, the parent must possess a NIN or a National Identification Card.
2. Birth Notification Record: Parents must request a Birth Notification Record from the health facility where their child was born.
3. Immediate Registration: Parents or guardians should promptly visit the nearest NIRA office after childbirth to register the child and obtain a NIN. This registration is free of charge.

The festival aligns perfectly with the forthcoming National ID mass registration exercise scheduled for December 2023. Through the creative expressions of these young talents, the significance of NIN registration for children, parents, and guardians is being effectively emphasized.

The journey to the national finals has been a remarkable one for the participating schools:

1. Intra-school Competitions: Inter-house/class/color competitions were held within primary schools to select a school choir.
2. Zonal/Sub County Competitions: The top 3 schools from sub-counties proceeded to district-level competitions after competitions within the sub-counties.
3. District Competitions: The best four schools from each district emerged from the district-level competitions.
4. Regional Competitions: Across 13 regions, the best 12 schools from each region earned the privilege to compete in the National finals, seeking to be crowned the 2023 Champions of the National Primary Schools’ MDD Final.

Throughout this festival, an added opportunity for community engagement will be available. Children are majorly targeted to be enrolled for National Identification Numbers (NINs) as well on-site issuance. Parents are encouraged to bring their children along with a copy of the parent’s National ID to facilitate the registration process.

In embracing the theme, “My NIN, My Birth Right,” the National Primary Schools’ Music, Dance, and Drama Festival 2023 not only celebrate artistic excellence but also underscore the essential role of NIN registration in securing the future of Ugandan children. This event stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between education and NIRA in driving positive change.