Lamwo district, in accordance with a nationwide initiative, has officially begun the National Identification Registration Number (NIN) exercise.
This initiative, led by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), aims to ensure that all eligible citizens are accurately registered and issued with unique identification numbers, in line with the government’s efforts to strengthen national data systems and service delivery.
Denis Ogwang, the NIRA Registration Assistance assigned to Lukung Zone, emphasized the importance of the exercise in allowing citizens to access essential public services during the official launch of the exercise at the Child Care Primary School in Padibe town council in Lamwo district.
“The National Identification Number is now a requirement for accessing a wide range of services including education, health care, financial services, and voting,” Ocan said.
“We urge all residents of Lamwo to come forward and register. This is not just a government program, it is a civic duty.”
The Lamwo Resident District Commissioner Komakech William has thrown his full support behind the exercise.
The RDC said the district leadership is committed to ensuring that the exercise runs smoothly and reaches even the most remote areas.
“We have mobilized local leaders, village health teams, and community-based facilitators to assist NIRA in identifying and mobilizing residents. No one should be left behind,” Ocen noted.
Aciro Anna, LC5 councillor for Paloga sub-county to Lamwo district local government, called on community members to take the registration seriously, highlighting its role in long-term development planning and equitable service distribution.
“Without accurate population data, government planning and resource allocation become difficult. This registration exercise will ensure that Lamwo gets its fair share of national resources,” Aciro said.
Residents have responded with mixed reactions. While many welcomed the initiative, others raised concerns about accessibility and awareness in remote sub-counties.
Grace Laker, a resident of Padibe East, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to register her children who had previously missed out on the process.
“I’m happy that NIRA has brought the registration closer to us. I missed the last round and my children couldn’t enroll in school easily. This will help a lot,” she said.
However, Acio Grace, resident of Padibe west sub-county in Lamwo district, urged for increased outreach efforts in hard-to-reach areas.
“Many people in the villages are not fully informed about where and when to register. We need more sensitization through radio, community meetings, and local leaders,” she said.
In response, NIRA officials assured the public that mobile registration teams would be deployed across all sub-counties in the district and that special arrangements would be made for persons with disabilities and the elderly.
As the registration process continues, Lamwo district leaders and stakeholders have pledged to continue working together to ensure maximum coverage and success for the initiative.
On May 27, NIRA launched the similar exercise in Amolatar district where RDC Rwotlonyo rallied people to embrace it.
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