Agency
As the National Identity Card (ID) renewal and mass registration exercise enters its second day, government officials are turning their attention to emerging threats of fraud, extortion, and illegal practices, warning of arrests and legal action for offenders.
In Wakiso District, Resident District Commissioner Justine Mbabazi issued a stern warning to money lenders who are still holding onto clients’ National Identity Cards as collateral, calling it illegal and a threat to citizens’ right to identification.
Mbabazi said such practices not only violate the law but also prevent Ugandans from renewing their expired IDs.
Meanwhile, in Katakwi District, Deputy RDC Vincent Savior Okwi warned registration officers and members of the public against demanding or offering bribes during the renewal process.
District Registration Officer Irene Tumwa echoed the concern, cautioning against fraud, absenteeism, and poor timekeeping by registration staff.
Rosemary Kisembo, Executive Director of NIRA, recently revealed that 15.8 million ID cards are set to expire by June 2025.
Another 17.2 million new cards will be issued to previously unregistered Ugandans. While the mass renewal runs until August, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, enforcement efforts are ramping up just as fast.
