The National Identification Registration Authority – NIRA has come out to clarify on the reports that have been making rounds on Social Media about an alleged cabinet resolution to scrap off current National Identity Cards (IDs).
The reports which were sparked off by a Tweet by a Ugandan local journalist alleged that all Ugandans have to apply for new National IDs that meet current technology trends.
But NIRA dismissed the report as fake news.
“We would like to clarify that, there has not been any pronouncement to ‘scrap off all current National IDs’”, NIRA said post on their Social Media platforms.
The dismissed reports purported that Ugandan citizens will be required to apply for the new enhanced National ID’s that will meet the current technology system, including providing DNA.
The National Identity Cards are a prerequisite for opening Bank accounts, registration of sim cards, obtaining travel documents, voting, and registration for the National Social Security Fund -NSSF for those seeking formal employment.
To secure an ID, Ugandan law require that one produces a medical birth certificate, a citizen card showing that they are Ugandans by birth, information about their biological parents and family clans and their original residential location – a process that is so tedious that many avoid it.
