He said the new National ID will have new features while retaining the bio data already in the system, including the current NIN.
Registration for new national IDs begins in June 2023, says Gen. Otafiire
The Internal Affairs Minister, Major Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, has disclosed that the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) will begin a fresh national identity card registration exercise for all Ugandans in June 2023, as the current IDs expire in 2024.
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The cards will be issued free of charge, except for those seeking express processing, Otafiire said while speaking to journalists at the Media Center.
Ten-year shelf life
Otafiire said the current National IDs have a shelf life of ten years, which is coming to an end in 2024. In 2024, Otafiire added, the country will begin using more user-friendly National IDs due to technological advances.
He observed that the National IDs have a shelf life of 10 years to allow for such technological advances---which ensure the change of the features on the IDs without necessarily requiring the change of the current NIN.
“Your NIN does not cease. The bio-data that was captured does not change, we shall only improve the variables captured on your ID,” he said.
He added that although the national ID is free of charge, express national IDs can be applied for via the internet at a fee of 50,000 shillings.
“We are doing our level best to make sure that every Ugandan is registered and given his identity and every child who is born is registered and given a national identification number and also given means of identity,” Otafiire stated.
NIRA will reach every parish and every village, Otafiire’s ministry will ensure, so that Ugandans don’t have to move long distances register for a national ID.
Importance of a National ID
National Identity Cards are a prerequisite for opening bank accounts, registration of sim cards, obtaining travel documents, voting, and registration for the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) for those seeking formal employment.
To obtain a National ID, one must produce a medical birth certificate, a citizen card showing that they are Ugandans by birth, information about their biological parents, ethnic clan and their original residential location.
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