May 6, 2025
The Government of Uganda, through the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), has officially launched the National ID renewal exercise, a crucial step in updating and verifying the country’s population data. The process is beginning with a pilot phase and will eventually roll out across the entire country.
Key Dates to Remember:
-Pilot Phase: May 2–26, 2025 (Involves NIRA Board members and officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs)
-Nationwide Rollout: Begins May 27, 2025
This exercise is not just for first-time applicants. If you’ve lost your National ID, changed your name, corrected your date of birth, or updated any personal information, now is the time to act.
Renewal & Replacement Fees:
-UGX 50,000 – To replace a lost National ID
-UGX 200,000 – For any corrections or changes (e.g., name, birthdate, etc.)
According to the Minister of State for Internal Affairs – Gen. David Muhoozi, these fees are set by NIRA and apply to individual requests. However, first-time renewals for IDs that are expiring or have expired remain free during the official window—so don’t wait until it’s too late.
Why This Matters
As COTFONE we observe that without a valid National ID, you may be blocked from accessing essential services such as:
-Mobile money & banking
-SIM card registration
-Voting in upcoming elections
-Government programs and social services
This means, in short, your National ID is your key to legal recognition as a Ugandan citizen.
What You Should Do Now:
-Check your ID expiry date – If it’s expired or about to expire, prepare for renewal.
-Update your personal records – If your name, residence, or other key details have changed, gather proof.
-Save the dates-Make sure you participate in the nationwide phase starting May 27, 2025.
-Share this info with friends, family, and your community. Many don’t know this yet!
“Your National ID is not just a card, it’s your identity, your voice, and your right,” says COTFONE staff.
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