What You Need to Know & Bring for the 2025 National ID Exercise

Kampala — The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has announced that the countrywide mass enrollment exercise for new national identification cards will officially kick off on May 27, 2025.

The exercise will target renewals, first-time registrations, and biometric upgrades as Uganda transitions to enhanced digital ID systems.

According to NIRA, the new generation of National IDs will include advanced features such as fingerprint and iris scans, laser-engraved details, and a 2D barcode to bolster identity security and service delivery across government and private sectors.

As @NIRA_Ug prepares to launch the #NIDMassEnrollmentUg and #NIDMassRenewalUg on May 27, 2025, the pilot phase is ongoing, having started on May 2 and running until May 26, 2025. This phase has successfully enrolled a cross-section of staff from @mia_uga and other agencies. /1 pic.twitter.com/HHsDwEKd6u

— Ministry of Internal Affairs Uganda (@mia_uga) May 16, 2025

Free Parish-Level Services

At the parish level, two key services will be offered free of charge: renewal of expired national IDs and first-time registration for Ugandan adults aged 18 and above.

Renewal of Expired National IDs

For Ugandans with expired ID cards, renewals will be done at no cost. Applicants are required to present any of the following:

• The original expired National ID
• A clear photocopy of the expired National ID
• A valid police letter in case the ID was lost

Renewals will not involve changes to biographical data. The applicant’s National Identification Number (NIN) will also remain unchanged.

First-Time Registration for Adults (18+)

Ugandans who have never held a National ID can also register free of charge at the parish level. Requirements depend on citizenship classification:

• Citizens by birth: A photocopy of one parent’s National ID. If unavailable, a grandparent’s or blood relative’s ID may be used.
• Citizens by descent, registration, or naturalization: Relevant legal documents proving citizenship.

In all cases, applicants must obtain valid introductory letters from:

• The LC1 Chairperson
• The Parish Chief
• The LC3 Chairperson

These letters must be authenticated by either the Gombolola Internal Security Officer (GISO), District Internal Security Officer (DISO), or Resident District Commissioner (RDC).

First-Time Registration for Children (Under 18)

Guidelines for children’s enrollment will be provided at parish centers during the exercise. Parents or guardians should carry their identification and relevant documents that affirm the child’s citizenship.

Paid Services Offered at NIRA District Offices

Certain services will not be handled at the parish level and will instead be offered at NIRA district offices for a fee.

Correction or Update of National ID Information

Fee: UGX 200,000
Required:

• Expired ID (to be defaced) or police letter if ID is lost

Supporting legal documents (e.g., birth/marriage certificate, court order)

Replacement of Lost or Stolen National ID

• Fee: UGX 50,000

Required:

• Valid police letter confirming loss or theft

NIRA has urged citizens to begin assembling the required documents in advance to ensure a smooth process once mass enrollment begins.

The exercise will be conducted at all parishes across the country and is expected to boost access to government services, streamline identification processes, and strengthen national security.

For additional updates and specific enrollment schedules, citizens are encouraged to follow announcements from local authorities and official NIRA channels.