By Diana Kintu.
Kampala, July 2025 — The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) is set to commence the registration of school-aged children later this month. This initiative aims to document millions of Ugandans who remain without registration. The decision follows data indicating that while 5.3 million ID renewals have been completed since May 2025, first-time registrations are significantly lower, leaving an estimated 17 million citizens without a legal identity.
with nearly half of Uganda’s 45.9 million population being under 18, NIRA is focusing its efforts on schools. “Schools offer an organized and accessible platform to reach children who missed out during previous campaigns,” stated Claire Ollama, a NIRA registrar. Parents are required to sign consent forms, which will be distributed through schools or directly to households. Teachers are prohibited from completing these forms to ensure data accuracy. For students in boarding schools, parents can pre-register them online using the NIRA portal.
Registering children under their parents’ National Identification Number (NIN) will safeguard their inheritance rights, particularly concerning land. “Many parents acquire land on behalf of their children, but without proper documentation, these properties are at risk. Associating a child’s identification with their parent’s NIN secures their legal claims,” explained Ollama.
Changes in Personal Information: Effective July 21, Ugandans can modify personal details, such as names due to marriage or religious reasons, for a fee of UGX 200,000.
Banyarwanda Community: NIRA clarified that members of the Ugandan Banyarwanda community recognized among the 65 indigenous tribes are eligible if their ancestry in Uganda traces back to before 1926, as confirmed by local authorities.
Warning Against Fraud: NIRA advised against sharing NINs for use with SIM cards or bank accounts, as such misuse can result in fraud. “You are legally accountable for any activity linked to your NIN,” warned the agency.
Zero Tolerance for Corruption
NIRA reiterated that all services are provided free of charge and encouraged the public to report any instances of extortion. Already, four officials in the Kassanda District have been arrested for alleged bribery during registration.
Action Steps for the Public:
- Parents: Look out for consent forms from schools or NIRA.
- Schools: Collaborate with NIRA teams to facilitate the registration process.
- Report Corruption: Use NIRA’s toll-free hotline to report any issues.