KAMPALA, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni have personally participated in the ongoing national identification card renewal exercise, a move aimed at encouraging all eligible Ugandans to update their IDs for improved public service delivery.
The Presidential couple completed their registration at Nakasero, emphasizing the importance of the initiative for national progress.
The President announced their participation via a tweet, stating: “Today, Maama Janet and I registered to renew our National Identification Cards in Nakasero. I urge every eligible Ugandan to do the same for improved service delivery.”
This public demonstration by the nation’s top leaders serves as a powerful endorsement of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA)’s mass enrollment and renewal drive.
The nationwide exercise, which commenced in late May 2025, aims to renew approximately 15.8 million national ID cards that are due to expire by June 2025, in addition to registering new eligible citizens.
The renewed IDs are crucial for various essential services, including banking, education, employment, healthcare, and vital for voter identification in the forthcoming 2026 general elections, as highlighted by other government officials like Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.
Also Read: Step-by-step guide to using NIRA’s new online portal for national ID registration and renewal
The updated ID cards are expected to feature enhanced biometric systems, including iris scans, alongside fingerprints, to bolster security and combat identity fraud.
While the exercise is largely free for those renewing without changes to personal information, NIRA has emphasized the necessity of participation for accurate national records and comprehensive public service access.
President Museveni’s active involvement aims to set a precedent, urging citizens to embrace this crucial civic responsibility for the benefit of enhanced governance and streamlined access to state provisions.