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The mass renewal of national identification cards will commence in May 2025, according to the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi.
Muhoozi shared this update in response to the report by the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs on the ministerial policy statement and budget estimates for the 2025/2026 financial year.
The report was presented by Committee Chairperson, Wilson Kajwengye, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. The process will begin with a pilot scheme for government employees, starting with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Identification Registration Authority (NIRA).
“The equipment and software have all been tested and are ready for use,” Muhoozi said, adding that he will provide a comprehensive report on the renewal and registration process. This announcement followed concerns raised by Milton Muwuma (NRM, Kigulu County South), who highlighted the issue of expired IDs as the country prepares for the 2026 general elections.
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“We will be going for nominations soon, but some of us have expired IDs, and this alone can disqualify someone,” Muwuma said. Isaias Ssasaga (FDC, Budadiri County East) raised concerns about primary and secondary school learners who were registered for IDs but have not yet received them.
“Will the children be part of the new registration process, or will they be issued old IDs?” he asked. Muhoozi confirmed that learners will have the option to either receive old IDs or the new ones with enhanced features.
According to the committee’s report, the government requires Shs145 billion to procure blank IDs for enrolling over six million Ugandans and renewing more than five million national IDs. However, only Shs24.5 billion has been allocated for the next financial year.
The committee recommends an additional Shs120.7 billion in the 2025/2026 budget to ensure NIRA completes the enrollment process before the 2026 elections. In addition, the committee proposed a Shs587 billion allocation for the nationwide rollout of the sub-county policing model, which was tested in Greater Masaka during the 2023/24 financial year.
The Uganda Police Force plans to establish 30 model police stations, complete 11 in the Greater Masaka area, and procure 333 motorcycles and communication equipment. However, there remains a funding gap of Shs587 billion.
Brenda Nabukenya (Luwero District Woman MP) welcomed the sub-county policing model and urged its prioritisation. “I support the idea of procuring two motorcycles for each sub-county police station, but we must also prioritise fuel for the motorcycles,” she said.
Emely Kugonza (NRM, Buyanja East County) called for better planning for the sub-county policing model, emphasising the lack of police posts and accommodation for officers. “We need thorough planning; officers must be well cared for, or they may become a problem,” Kugonza said.
Other legislators also highlighted the need for better transport for existing police stations. Frank Kabuye (NUP, Kassanda County South) noted that Kassanda has only one vehicle for emergencies, stating, “It is high time we prioritise giving transport means and ensure there is funding for maintenance.”
Minister Muhoozi responded by announcing that the government plans to introduce electric motorcycles to address fuel shortages and ensure sustainability for the police force.