In a demonstration of institutional discipline and national responsibility, the Uganda Police Force under the Kiira Regional Command has taken a proactive lead in the ongoing national identity card renewal and registration exercise.
The exercise, spearheaded by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), officially kicked off on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the Kiira Regional Police Headquarters in Jinja.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Charles Nsaba, the Regional Police Commander (RPC) for Kiira, launched the initiative by urging all officers under his command to renew their national identity cards at designated registration points set up at both regional and divisional headquarters.
His call came during the official opening of the exercise at the regional command center, where he addressed dozens of officers lined up for registration.
According to SSP Nsaba, the renewal of the national identity card is not merely an administrative obligation but a crucial civic exercise tied to essential services and national planning.
“The national identity card is not just an ID, it is a gateway to public services. Access to the payroll system, voter eligibility, civil participation, citizenship confirmation, and the government’s ability to obtain accurate statistics for planning all hinge on whether or not you have a valid national ID,” said RPC Nsaba.
The RPC commended the partnership between the Uganda Police Force and NIRA, particularly the efforts of NIRA officials in Jinja for bringing registration services closer to the officers.
“We sincerely appreciate the commitment of NIRA Jinja. You have demonstrated a spirit of cooperation by deploying your teams to our bases to ensure our officers do not miss out on this vital national program,” Nsaba noted.
He also praised his Deputy RPC, SSP David Katunda, for efficiently coordinating the launch and logistics of the exercise within the Kiira policing jurisdiction, which covers Jinja City, Jinja District, and parts of Kamuli and Mayuge.
The mood at the headquarters was one of enthusiasm and patriotism, as dozens of officers from various units queued in an orderly manner to renew their national identification documents.
SSP Andrew Muzira, the Regional Human Resource Officer, emphasized the inclusiveness of the exercise.
“No officer will be left behind in this process. We are here to ensure that every individual under the Kiira Regional Police is documented in line with national expectations.The response so far has been very positive, and we are encouraging officers to extend this same energy to their families and communities,” Muzira declared.
SSP Muzira also called on police personnel to act as catalysts for civic awareness within their areas of deployment.
“You are not only officers of the law; you are leaders and influencers in your communities. We ask that you spread the message and encourage the public to take part in the mass registration and renewal exercise. Let’s help build an informed and documented society,” he added.
The initiative is particularly significant given the role the National Identity card plays in modern governance. Since its rollout in 2014, the National ID has become central to several key national processes including tax registration, financial services, education enrollment, land registration, and social services access.
Citizens without a valid national ID face difficulties in accessing these essential services.
The second phase of the National ID project, which includes renewals for the first batch of cards issued ten years ago, has been marred by logistical and public awareness challenges in some parts of the country.
However, Kiira Region appears determined to overcome these bottlenecks by bringing the service directly to its officers.
Jinja NIRA officials, who are facilitating the exercise, lauded the preparedness and commitment of the police leadership.
“What we are witnessing here today is commendable,” said one of the NIRA officials. “From logistics to mobilization and coordination, everything has been done smoothly. This is an excellent example of how other institutions can work with us to ensure the success of this critical national program.”
Kiira Regional Police’s mobilization effort is expected to create a ripple effect across the region and beyond, especially as the country edges closer to the 2026 general elections.
Possession of a valid National ID is a legal requirement for voter registration, making this exercise even more time-sensitive and impactful.
In addition to electoral participation, having a valid National ID remains a requirement for accessing health services, public sector jobs, pension claims, SIM card registration, and bank transactions. As such, the RPC emphasized that the renewal exercise should not be treated lightly.
“This is not something to delay or postpone. The earlier you renew, the better. We do not want a situation where someone is denied medical care or misses out on their pension because they failed to renew their ID,” the RPC warned.
The exercise is expected to continue for several weeks, during which both field officers and those in administrative roles will be given ample time and guidance to complete their registration without affecting their core policing duties.
While the focus was on officers, the overarching message from the event was a broader appeal to the general public.
“We appeal to every Ugandan, particularly those in the Kiira region, to take this exercise seriously. Our officers have shown the way. Now it’s your turn. Please go to the nearest NIRA registration point and ensure your National ID is up to date,” said SP James Mubi, the Kiira Region PRO.
Mubi noted that the police will continue to collaborate with NIRA and other government agencies to support national programs that enhance security, service delivery, and citizen inclusion.
As Uganda marches towards its next democratic cycle and further integrates digital governance, exercises like these are more than procedural: they are foundational to the country’s journey toward inclusive and accountable service delivery.
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