The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) in Uganda has successfully registered 36.2 million citizens, which accounts for 78.8% of the country's 45.9 million population recorded in the last census. This milestone was announced by Minister of Internal Affairs, Ephraim Kamuntu, during the launch of the first My Identity Expo and National Symposium 2026 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. Kamuntu emphasized that the registration exercise will continue until all Ugandans are registered.
Minister Kamuntu highlighted that NIRA's registration of 36.2 million people from a starting point of zero is a significant achievement. However, he stressed that the ultimate target is 100% registration. The National Identification Number (NIN) has become central to Uganda's financial system and access to public and private services, including opening bank accounts, accessing education and health services, obtaining a driving permit, and voting.
The National Identification Number (NIN) is crucial for effective planning and allocation of resources, as it provides accurate population data. Kamuntu noted that this aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 16.9, which aims to provide legal identity for all by 2030. He commended NIRA for its progress but cautioned against using inadequate resources as an excuse for failing to execute their mandate.
Minister Kamuntu urged the government to plan for strengthening NIRA's human resource capacity and addressing corruption within its systems. He also emphasized the importance of embracing technologies such as artificial intelligence, forensic services, and CCTV cameras to improve security and develop a safer and smarter country. Additionally, he encouraged Ugandans to promptly register births, marriages, and deaths.
Brig. Gen. Stephen Kwiringira, a senior member of the NIRA Board, discussed the origins of Uganda's national identification system, which dates back to the Integrated Resource Management Information System (IRMIS) introduced by the Uganda People's Defence Forces during the LRA war. He noted that the system has since developed into an important tool supporting national development, despite initial criticism.
The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Commissioner General, John Musinguzi Rujoki, stated that the transition from the Tax Identification Number (TIN) to the NIN will help address tax evasion. He explained that linking tax registration to the NIN will ensure that individual taxpayers can be consistently identified, reducing cases of individuals holding multiple TINs.
The My Identity Expo and National Symposium 2026, organized by NIRA, is part of Uganda's centenary celebrations. The event aims to promote the importance of national identification and its role in national development. Key points include:
Key points
- NIRA has registered 36.2 million Ugandans, representing 78.8% of the population.
- The National Identification Number (NIN) is central to Uganda's financial system and access to public and private services.
- The government aims to increase Uganda's tax-to-GDP ratio from 14% to at least 20% within the next three years by linking tax registration to the NIN.
