NIRA Launches Nationwide Mobile ID Clinics to Fast-Track Issuance of 10.3 Million National IDs

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has announced a nationwide road drive clinic aimed at accelerating the issuance of 10.3 million national identity cards.

The initiative comes in response to overwhelming demand at district offices, where citizens have faced long queues and extended waiting times.

While addressing the press at police headquarters in Naguru, Claire Ollama said the roadshow will complement existing services by bringing registration and ID collection closer to communities in selected districts.

She noted that the exercise will begin in Wakiso District on April 14, 2026, before rolling out to regions including West Nile, Eastern, Northern, and Western Uganda, covering a total of 21 districts.

Ollama added that on April 14, the exercise in Wakiso will take place at several locations, including Wakiso Town Council, Nansana (Nabweru–Naluvule), Kira Municipality at the Catholic Shrine Namugongo, Kasangati (Masoli NIRA office), Kakiri Sub-county, Kyengera Town Council, Busukuma Division Office, Gombe Division, Mende Sub-county, and Namayumba Community Hall.

She further stated that on April 16, the exercise will continue in areas such as Bweyogerere, Kira Municipality, and Nansana–Nabweru, which currently have some of the highest numbers of uncollected national IDs in Wakiso District.

According to Ollama, the mobile “ID clinics” will offer a range of services, including issuing ready national IDs, registering new applicants, correcting registration errors, and providing general support. Although the outreach will not replace district offices, it is intended to bridge access gaps and improve service delivery.

She encouraged citizens who have not yet collected their IDs especially those unable to visit district offices to take advantage of the outreach.

Meanwhile, foreign nationals living in Uganda will be required to pay $100 to be officially recognized under a new national identification exercise set to begin on May 5, 2026.

NIRA has announced the start of registration for all legally resident non-citizens, referred to as “aliens,” as part of a legal requirement to include them in the national identification register.

Ollama said successful applicants will be issued an Alien Identification Number. To qualify, applicants must present valid immigration documents issued by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, with at least 90 days of validity remaining.