By Namutebi Sumayiya
The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) have announced the new dates for the Mass Enrolment and Renewal Exercise in the country.
The exercise was initially set to begin on June 1, 2024 with aims to register and renew expiring identity cards for approximately 30 million Ugandans, but delayed due to unforeseen procurement issues.
While addressing the press briefing at the NIRA headquarters at Kololo Independence ground, Rosemary Kisembo, the Authority Executive Director says that the exercise is now expected to commence by the end of July 2024.
Despite initial concerns over delays in procurement and funding, NIRA has assured the public that the exercise will run smoothly until January 2025.
Kisembo says the exercise will start with measures being put in place to ensure that the delay does not affect service delivery and the Electoral Roadmap.
According to her, the government has consulted with the Attorney General’s Chambers to ensure that the public does not suffer any disadvantage due to the delay.
Similar exercises in the past, such as the 2014 mass enrolment exercise, were successfully completed within a four-month period.
Kisembo however assured the public that the government is committed to delivering the exercise successfully within the stipulated timelines.
Regular updates will be provided to keep the public informed according to the NIRA boss.
The exercise aims to renew and issue new identification cards, with some cards set to expire starting August 2024.
Ugandan citizens aged 16 and above are eligible for registration, which will cover all parishes across the country.
The registration process will include the addition of iris biometrics, making the national IDs more secure.
To ensure efficiency, NIRA has set up mobile enrollment sites in all districts, and has emphasized that registration and renewal are free of charge, except for express services.