Alupo Renews ID in Katakwi as 3,000 Register Under National Exercise

Vice President and Katakwi District Woman MP Jessica Alupo has renewed her National Identification Card (ID) under the ongoing nationwide exercise and called on Ugandans to take advantage of the free process to update their identity documents.

Alupo completed the ten-minute renewal process at her residence in Katakwi Town Council, Ngariam County, and addressed journalists shortly afterwards.

She urged all citizens to participate in the exercise, stressing that national identification is a constitutional right and critical for effective service delivery.

“The exercise is essential for maintaining accurate, secure, and inclusive identity data to support national planning, elections, and public services,” Alupo said.

She explained that the new National IDs will feature enhanced security elements, including biometric iris scans, making them more difficult to forge and helping reduce identity fraud.

The ongoing renewal targets cards that expire in 2024, 2025, and 2026. Applicants are required to present either their expired ID or a valid police report in the case of loss.

Alupo encouraged people in the Teso sub-region and across Uganda to observe the timelines issued by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).

The renewal exercise, which began on 27 May, will run for six months in all parishes countrywide.

She also urged citizens to correctly declare their constitutional citizenship category during registration to avoid processing delays.

“I commend the NIRA team for their dedication in delivering this critical national service,” she added.

The government has allocated over Shs666 billion for the mass exercise, which will cover approximately 15.8 million ID renewals and the registration of 17.2 million individuals—including first-time applicants and youth turning 16 years old.

According to Katakwi District Registration Officer Irene Tumwa, over 3,000 people have so far renewed their IDs in the district.

She described the turnout as encouraging and emphasised that the ID drive goes beyond documentation.

“This strategy at parish level, combined with digital registration, is not just about issuing IDs—it’s about verifying and empowering every Ugandan citizen,” Tumwa said.

She warned that providing false information is a criminal offence and urged applicants to be honest about their citizenship status under the Constitution.

Tumwa added that each district has been equipped with 10 rotating registration kits, with schedules managed by local authorities to ensure equitable coverage.

Benjamin Omalwa, a registration assistant who oversaw the renewal of the Vice President’s ID, praised Alupo for leading by example and encouraged Katakwi residents to turn up in large numbers.

“Your participation matters,” Omalwa said. “It’s a chance to be counted and to be empowered as a Ugandan.”