Every Ugandan needs to be identified- Katikkiro
The Premier of Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, takes part in the National Identification Card renewal exercise at Bulange-Mengo Buganda Media Centre. PHOTO/SHABIBAH NAKIRIGYA
What you need to know:
- Ms Rosemary Kisembo, the executive director of NIRA, decried low turnout for the exercise, saying they had so far registered 2.5 million people since the exercise started last month.
The Buganda Kingdom premier (Katikkiro), Charles Peter Mayiga, has urged all Ugandans to take part in the ongoing National Identification registration and renewal exercise, saying it’s not only for the government but for all citizens because every Ugandan must be identified.
Addressing journalists at Bulange Mengo while taking part in the exercise on Tuesday, June 17, the Katikkiro said ID registration is not only in Uganda but happens in other countries as well.
“In the national scheme of trends, we need to be identified and that’s done by NIRA for purposes of ascertaining that you’re a Ugandan,” he said.
According to him, Uganda has got cross-border communities in all regions, with many of them residing in the neighbouring countries, and therefore, there’s a need for Ugandans to register for national identification cards.
“Currently, you cannot access any official document or take part in a national activity without a national identification card, which means this exercise is very crucial,” he said.
He urged parents to ensure their children are registered.
“We urge parents to register their children because their records are useful for future planning, “he said.
Ms Rosemary Kisembo, the executive director of NIRA, decried low turnout for the exercise, saying they had so far registered 2.5 million people since the exercise started last month.
“Currently, the adults have taken up the exercise, but for 0-17 years, the number is not encouraging, with only 100,000 children registered,” she said.
Mass registration
The renewal and registration of National Identity cards was launched on May 27, 2025, across the country, targeting 17.2 million new people in addition to 15.8 million who are supposed to renew their cards.
Currently, the exercise is conducted at the parish level across the country.
