The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) in Lamwo district has received approximately 50,000 National Identity Cards, now ready for collection following the recently concluded mass enrollment and renewal project.
According to the Lamwo District Registrar, Tonny Okori, the IDs were processed during the nationwide exercise conducted between May 2025 and February 2026. He described the development as a major milestone in expanding access to national identification services in the district.
“We have received the majority of IDs for residents who registered last year. What is now important is for people to come and collect them,” Okori said.
To improve accessibility and reduce congestion, NIRA has decentralised collection points across key zones in the district.
Residents in Lokung zone are to collect their IDs from the GISO office at Lamwo town council near the police station, while those in Madi Opei zone will be served from Paloga Sub-county headquarters.
In Palabek zone, IDs are available at Dii Cwinyi Primary School in Palabek Kal town council at the former resource center, while Palabek Gem residents will collect theirs from the sub-county headquarters.
For the Padibe zone, collection is ongoing at the NIRA office and Laguri Centre in Padibe West sub-county.
Okori emphasized that individuals must present their registration slips or supporting details to ease identification in the system and speed up the issuance process.
“Failure to present proof of registration is one of the major causes of delays at the centers. We encourage residents to come prepared,” he added.
Despite the availability of the cards, officials note that turnout remains low, prompting NIRA to intensify community sensitisation efforts to encourage residents to collect their IDs.
Some residents who spoke to this publication welcomed the decentralization but raised concerns about awareness and accessibility. Mary Grace Aciro, a resident of Palabek, said the move has brought services closer but called for more mobilisation: “Many people still don’t know where to collect their IDs. The information should reach villages through local leaders,” she said
Okello Jimmy, a resident of Padibe town council expressed relief after finally receiving his ID. “I registered last year and had almost lost hope. Now I can access banking services and register my mobile line without any problems.”
However, Lamunu Betty from Madi Opei highlighted transport challenges: “Even with closer centers, some of us still walk long distances. More outreach or mobile distribution would help elderly people.”
Akera Anthony, LC3 chairperson from Paloga sub-county noted that national IDs are increasingly required for accessing government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) was established under the Registration of Persons Act, 2015 to create and maintain a centralized National Identification Register for Ugandan citizens and legally recognized residents.
Uganda’s first mass enrollment for National IDs began in 2014, marking a significant shift toward a biometric-based identification system.
During the exercise, citizens’ personal details, fingerprints, and photographs were captured, leading to the issuance of National Identity Cards embedded with a unique National Identification Number (NIN).
Since then, NIRA has conducted continuous registration, renewal, and update exercises to accommodate new applicants, particularly young people who have attained the age of 16—as well as to replace expired cards and correct personal records.
The recently concluded mass enrollment and renewal project (2025–2026) was part of this ongoing effort to strengthen Uganda’s identification system and support national planning and service delivery.
Authorities emphasise that possession of a National ID is both a legal requirement and a critical tool for accessing essential services in Uganda. National IDs are required for opening bank accounts, accessing financial services, and registering mobile money accounts.
They are also mandatory for SIM card registration, making them essential for communication and digital transactions.
In the civic space, National IDs play a key role in voter identification and participation in elections, ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
The document is equally important for accessing government programs, including the Parish Development Model and other social protection initiatives, as well as for securing formal employment and educational opportunities.
Beyond individual benefits, the National ID system supports government efforts in national security, planning, and efficient service delivery, by providing accurate population data.
With tens of thousands of IDs now available in Lamwo district, authorities say the focus has shifted from registration to collection and utilisation.
NIRA is urging residents to take advantage of the decentralized centers, present their registration details, and collect their IDs without delay to avoid congestion and ensure smooth distribution.