NIRA suspends parish-level operations, shifts services during election period

KAMPALA - The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has suspended all operations at the parish level and temporarily adjusted service delivery countrywide.

The authority says the move is to allow for the smooth conduct of the ongoing election process.

Addressing journalists today, January 12, 2025, at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, NIRA registrar Claire Ollama said the adjustments were aimed at giving Ugandans space to fully participate in the elections while ensuring public order and coordination at the community level.

“Uganda is in an election season, which is a key national activity running from the centre to the lowest local government level. To allow citizens to participate fully and to support a smooth electoral process, NIRA has temporarily adjusted its operations,” Ollama said.

Parish-level services halted

As part of the adjustments, Ollama said NIRA had exited operations at the parish level with immediate effect.

“All parish-level services are halted for now. This adjustment creates space for election activities to proceed smoothly across communities,” she said.

She added that the authority would continue to issue further guidance on when parish-level services would resume after the election period.

Ollama said during the election period, NIRA would offer issuance services only at the sub-county level, with no new registrations taking place.

“Issuance will run strictly on Monday, January 12, and Tuesday, January 13, 2026. There will be no registration during this period. It is issuance only,” she said.

She explained that the limited window was intended to decongest communities while allowing citizens with urgent needs to access services.

NIRA also announced strict controls on the use of registration and issuance equipment during the election period.

Ollama said all devices would be withdrawn from sub-counties after the close of work on Tuesday and retained at district offices until the election season ends.

“After the close of work on Tuesday, all devices will be withdrawn from sub-counties. They will remain at the district NIRA offices for the duration of the election period. No devices will operate in the field beyond the stated issuance days,” she said.

Office closure dates announced

The Registrar further announced specific office closure dates during the election period.
According to NIRA, offices will be closed on January 14-17, January 22, January 27 and February 4.

“Normal operations will resume on the next working day following each closure,” Ollama said.

She clarified that on days not designated as public holidays, NIRA would continue offering services at its offices.

Special issuance centres named

Ollama also released a detailed list of special issuance centres that will operate on January 12 and 13 in Kampala and Wakiso districts, areas with high population density and demand for services.

In Kampala Central Division, issuance will be conducted exclusively at Lumumba Avenue.

In Wakiso, services will be offered at multiple locations, including Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine in Namugongo, Kireka Rehabilitation Centre, St Bruno Church in Najeera, Kasangati NIRA offices, Busukuma Division offices, Matugga, Nansana, Kyebando, Kakiri, Namayumba, Masuliita, Kyengera, Naluvule and other designated centres.

In Kampala’s Nakawa division, issuance will take place at locations such as Nakawa Vocational Institute, Butabika, Kyanja, Kiwatule, Luzira, Bukoto, Bugolobi, Naguru, Ntinda, Banda, Kitintale and Kinawataka.

In Makindye division, centres include Nsambya, Muyenga, Ggaba, Kibuli, Katwe, Kibuye and the Makindye NIRA office.

In Kawempe division, issuance will be conducted at locations including the NIRA Kawempe office, Bwaise, Kanyanya, Kyebando, Wandegeya, Makerere, Mpererwe, Komamboga and Mulago Hospital zones.

Ollama said all other districts and municipalities across the country would conduct issuance strictly from designated local government premises.