NIRA to register voters countrywide

KAMPALA. The National Identification and Registration Authority (Nira) is rolling out a countrywide registration exercise targeting four million voters and issuance of national identity cards to at least three million people .
“We intend to go back to sub-counties for purposes of easing registration of citizens beginning January 14. This is our routine work that will involve registration of new voters and issuing national IDs to those who never received them. We are taking the services nearer to the people,” Mr Michael Muganga, the Nira public relations assistant said.
“With this exercise the Electoral Commission just like any other agency of government will get an updated voter register,” he added.
According to Mr Muganga, government has earmarked Shs6b to undertake the three-month exercise which will also include completion of registration of learners.
He explained that citizens who wish to replace their identity cards or change their particulars will also be attended to.
Mr Muganga, however, dismissed as false claims that authority would not charge money to people seeking to replace their national IDS.
He said the Shs50,000 being charged is government tax.