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This exemption applies to all except those opting for express service, as confirmed by the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi.
Addressing Parliament's concerns over delays in the ID renewal and issuance process, Gen. Muhoozi highlighted the government's commitment to a smooth operation for the mass renewal of national IDs.
Legislators had raised alarms over the sluggish pace of renewal and new issuances, alongside the revelation that despite Shs300 billion being allocated for this purpose, the funds had yet to be disbursed to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This financial hold-up has stalled critical preparatory steps, including the recruitment of necessary personnel and procurement processes.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa emphasized the urgency of the matter, pointing out the need to renew over 15.2 million IDs and to issue 17 million new ones by June of this year to avoid a national crisis.
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The assembly was informed about the halted recruitment efforts and was assured that procurement for ICT equipment and training of ministry staff on the new National Security Information System was already underway, with activities taking place in India.
Concerns were also voiced about the operational challenges faced by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), with comparisons drawn to the more efficient processes observed in the renewal of driving licenses. MPs called for immediate action, urging the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development to release the allocated Shs192 billion for the project within the quarter.
The dialogue in the House also covered the need for inclusivity in the ID renewal process, with discussions on accommodating individuals with disabilities and nationals of Rwandan origin, among others. The government's approach to these challenges includes the provision of additional resources such as standby generators and solar panels to ensure uninterrupted service, especially in hard-to-reach districts.
This move to waive the ID renewal fee, while keeping an express service option for those willing to pay Shs50,000, represents a critical step towards ensuring all Ugandans have timely access to necessary documentation without financial burden, paving the way for a more inclusive and efficient national identification system.
This content was created with the help of an AI model and verified by the writer.