Kampala, Uganda – The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has announced the receipt of 1,000 kits for national ID validation, with an additional 5,000 kits expected by January 7. This initiative marks a significant step towards addressing the ongoing issue of expired national IDs in Uganda.

Maj. Gen. Apollo Kasiita Gowa, a key figure in the rollout of this program, emphasized the importance of these kits in facilitating the validation process for Ugandans whose IDs have expired. The availability of these kits is expected to streamline operations at NIRA and improve access for citizens seeking to renew their identification documents.

The challenge of expired IDs has been a pressing concern in Uganda, affecting many citizens’ ability to access services and participate fully in civic duties. With the upcoming elections in 2026, ensuring that citizens have valid identification is crucial for maintaining electoral integrity and facilitating participation in the democratic process.

The introduction of these validation kits is part of a broader effort by NIRA to enhance its services and ensure that all Ugandans are properly registered and identified. As more kits are rolled out, NIRA aims to reduce the backlog of expired IDs and improve overall efficiency in its operations.