The National Identification Registration Authority (NIRA) in Uganda is gearing up for a significant development in the country’s identification system. As the current national IDs, issued a decade ago, approach their expiration date in 2024, NIRA is contemplating a mass renewal exercise.
NIRA plans to roll out a mass renewal of national IDs, bringing with it a host of new features, including the incorporation of DNA.
The renewal exercise is scheduled to take place from June 2023 to August 2024, focusing on cards issued between 2014 and 2015. The move aims to address various issues, such as the potential misuse of IDs as collateral for loans and the general expiration of the current cards.
The expiration of the current national IDs is not just a routine procedure; it holds significant implications for citizens.
Osbone Mushabe, the NIRA spokesperson, emphasizes the importance of having a valid national ID, stating that it is crucial for accessing key government services and even basic financial transactions like banking.
The renewal process, scheduled over the next year, is designed to ensure that Ugandans have up-to-date identification that aligns with international best practices.
Present an old ID, to receive a new one
Mushabe highlighted the proposal that individuals will need to present their old national IDs before receiving the new ones. This is to address the issue of lost, misplaced, or misused IDs, which could pose challenges during the mass renewal exercise.
He also emphasized the risks associated with using national IDs as collateral for loans, urging citizens to refrain from such practices.
The mass renewal is not limited to those whose cards are expiring but is open to all citizens who wish to update their information. The renewal process is set to be free of charge, with an option for express services for those who wish to receive their new cards within 48 hours, albeit at a fee.
Eligibility and Application Process for National ID renewal
According to NIRA, individuals whose national IDs were first issued in 2014 or 2015 and are due to expire in 2024 or 2025 are eligible for the mass renewal.
The application process involves applying to NIRA for renewal at least two months before the card’s expiry date. It’s essential to note that citizenship does not expire; it’s the card that does. The renewal is an opportunity not only to update the card but also to provide the authority with any updated information.
Why you must renew your national ID
The renewal of national IDs is not just a formality. Section 69 of the Registration of Persons Act (ROPA), 2015 states that a national identification card shall be valid for such time as the Minister shall prescribe by regulation.
Under Regulation 19 (1) of the Registration of Persons Regulations SI 67 of 2015, a national identification card shall be valid for a period of 10 years from the date of issue. The polycarbonate material used to make cards, along with security features, degenerates over time.
International identity best practices require continuous updates of a person’s facial and other biometric features. Therefore, renewal presents an opportunity to update such features.
Additionally, NIRA will add the iris as an additional biometric feature to the new ID card. Information on this feature will be embedded in the new card.
The National Identification Card is also used as a travel document within the East African region, and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards require that the latest facial image of the document holder is captured.
Can you renew your ID Card if it is not due for expiry?
Yes, a citizen may take this opportunity to receive the new card and furnish the Authority with updated information. After August 2024, services will be returned to NIRA District offices. It is, therefore, important to take advantage of these services when they are near you.
Read About: How to recover a lost National Identification card (National ID)
The new features and benefits of the new National ID
The upcoming national IDs come with a range of security and functional features. Some of the security features include digital images of the Court of Arms and other artifacts securely embedded on multiple layers of the card, making it difficult to fake.
The new card will also include iris biometric data, addressing challenges faced by individuals whose fingerprint grooves have deteriorated.
Functional features of the new card include support for a feature that requires the owner of the card to give consent, in a seamless manner, to anyone who wishes to view or retrieve their information. This aligns with the Data Privacy and Protection Act, 2019, providing full visibility to persons accessing one’s information.
The use of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) allows for the issuance of individual digital certificates used to sign every record in the National Identification Register.
This feature allows for third parties to confidently transact with certainty that the person in the online transaction is properly identified, promoting e-commerce and lowering the cost of electronic transactions and credit in Uganda.
A 2D barcode on the new card contains ISO Standard biometric features and is digitally signed, adding an extra layer of security. A security feature that can be detected under Ultra Violet light has been added to the existing UV Bi-fluor Red, making the card difficult to duplicate and allowing persons with UV light to test if a card is genuine.
NIRA will provide an app that will be used to verify the authenticity of a card while protecting the privacy of the card owner. This ensures a secure and efficient means of confirming the legitimacy of the ID without compromising personal information.
The new card will also promote e-government services and National and International electronic transactions in Health, Banking, Tourism, Agriculture, and many other sectors of the economy.
Consequences of non-renewal
NIRA emphasizes the importance of renewing national IDs promptly. According to Regulation 23, a person who defaults on renewal may incur a fee of not more than 40,000/= for each day of default.
Additionally, services will be returned to NIRA District offices after August 2024, making it crucial for citizens to take advantage of the mass renewal services when they are available.
Will the new Identification Card expire?
The new enhanced National ID shall have an electronic version that does not expire. However, going by advancements in technology, international best practices, and the law, physical cards may need to be upgraded.
