The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) is collaborating with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to synchronize systems and authenticate newly issued national identity cards. Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi informed Parliament that the process is ongoing, although the new IDs have not yet been fully activated. This development aims to address challenges faced by citizens in verifying their identities.
The issue came to light after Jinja South Division East MP Paul Mwiru raised a matter of national importance in Parliament, stating that he was unable to use his new national ID to complete a banking transaction. His account was frozen for an update, and the bank required him to obtain a verification letter from NIRA. Other customers have faced similar challenges, highlighting the need for a seamless verification process.
The difficulties in verifying newly issued IDs have raised concerns about the government's proposal to replace Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) with National Identification Numbers (NINs) for individual taxpayers. MP Mwiru warned that if not addressed, these challenges could complicate the transition. State Minister for Finance in charge of Planning, Amos Lugoloobi, emphasized that adopting NINs as primary tax identifiers would expand the tax base and improve tax administration.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa directed the Committee on ICT and National Guidance to ensure that the ministry addresses the authentication concerns effectively. The committee was also tasked with expediting investigations into unlicensed internet service providers and reporting back to Parliament within a week. This move follows a directive by UCC on October 13, 2026, for unlicensed public Wi-Fi operators to switch off their services and dismantle their equipment.
The directive by UCC has faced resistance from mobile hotspot dealers, who reported continued arrests and harassment. Tayebwa urged the committee to follow up on their concerns, and Committee chairperson Andrew Ojok announced that hearings on the matter would begin on October 28, 2026. The committee's efforts aim to resolve the issues surrounding unlicensed internet service providers.
The authentication of newly issued national IDs is crucial for various transactions, including banking and taxation. The collaboration between NIRA and UCC is expected to resolve the challenges faced by citizens. Additionally, the government's proposal to adopt NINs as primary tax identifiers is expected to improve tax administration and expand the tax base.
The Committee on ICT and National Guidance will play a crucial role in addressing the authentication concerns and expediting investigations into unlicensed internet service providers. The committee's efforts, along with the collaboration between NIRA and UCC, aim to resolve the challenges and ensure a seamless verification process for citizens.
Key points
- NIRA and UCC are collaborating to activate newly issued national IDs for verification.
- The authentication of newly issued IDs is crucial for various transactions, including banking and taxation.
- The government's proposal to adopt NINs as primary tax identifiers aims to improve tax administration and expand the tax base.
