The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) addressed growing concerns over National ID registration, emphasizing that eligibility is restricted to Ugandan citizens and outlining strict measures to prevent fraudulent registration.
As NIRA ramps up its mass registration campaign ahead of the 2026 general elections, the agency’s focus on strict eligibility criteria is shedding light on issues of citizenship verification and national security. By ensuring only legitimate Ugandan citizens are registered, NIRA is aiming to safeguard the integrity of Uganda’s voter roll amid reports of attempted fraudulent registrations.
In response to public concerns over National ID registration eligibility, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) clarified on Monday that National IDs are exclusively available to Ugandan citizens, with foreigners and non-citizens strictly ineligible.
Speaking to journalists in Kampala, NIRA spokesperson Osborn Mushabe highlighted that only those meeting the citizenship requirements, as outlined in Uganda’s Constitution, will qualify for registration during the ongoing 53-day campaign.
NIRA launched the mass registration drive on September 27, 2024, to ensure that all eligible citizens are ready to vote in the 2026 general elections. Mushabe explained that citizenship by birth requires individuals to belong to an indigenous Ugandan community as specified in the 1995 Constitution and to have grandparents who were Ugandan residents by 1926. Other recognized categories of citizenship include registration, naturalization, and dual citizenship.
“Our registration process is comprehensive,” Mushabe explained. “Applicants are required to obtain recommendations from local authorities—specifically, the LC1 Chairperson, Gombolola Internal Security Officer (GISO), and District Internal Security Officer (DISO). Following these recommendations, NIRA conducts background checks to verify each applicant’s citizenship status, ensuring only Ugandan citizens are registered.”
Mushabe also urged local leaders to thoroughly vet applicants before endorsing them, stressing that local authorities play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the registration process. He further encouraged citizens to report any attempts at fraudulent registration, noting recent reports of fake registrations in Kisenyi-Kampala and Masindi. “We’re committed to preventing this issue from spreading to other areas of Uganda,” he added.
The registration exercise is free, and NIRA has launched mobile outreach centers across various regions to reach as many eligible Ugandans as possible. Mushabe emphasized that this effort is crucial for compiling an accurate voter list for the upcoming elections, noting that ensuring only eligible citizens receive National IDs is paramount for Uganda’s national security and democratic process.
