Ugandan diaspora registration to start, NIRA clarifies change of particulars, warns against fraud

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The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) says it has started the diaspora registration programme, enabling Ugandans abroad to enrol or renew their National Identification Numbers (NINs) starting from August.

The move comes amid efforts to strengthen the national identity card (ID) system and ensure the inclusion of Ugandans living outside the country.

The announcement was made today, July 28, 2025, by Claire Ollama, a registrar at NIRA, during a joint security briefing at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala.

Ollama outlined key updates under the ongoing mass enrollment and mass renewal (MEMR) campaign, which include clarifications on change of particulars and fees, the diaspora registration rollout, anti-fraud measures, and continued focus on child registration.

Change of particulars

Ollama addressed widespread public questions about fees related to updating national ID information, emphasising that some changes are free of charge, while others require payment.

She explained that updating or adding life facts and heritage information, such as tribe or clan, place of birth, origin or ancestral residence, marital status, parent names, previous or maiden names, and current residence, is free under the mass renewal exercise.

“Please do not let anyone charge you for these,” Ollama stressed. “These are life facts and heritage updates, not mistakes.”

However, certain corrections, especially where errors were made by the applicant, whether accidental or intentional, will attract a fee. These include correcting wrong names, incorrect dates of birth, wrong sex, or false places of residence.

“Let’s put it plainly: If the error was yours, the cost is yours. But if you’re correcting or completing your record with accurate information, there is no fee,” she said.

Diaspora registration programme

The registrar announced the official schedule for Ugandans living abroad to register or renew their NINs. NIRA teams will be deployed to key consular hubs across the world.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

August 18–24 at Uganda Embassy, Abu Dhabi, and Uganda Consulate General, Dubai

August 25–27 at Sharjah

August 28–30 at Ras Al Khaimah

Qatar

August 4–17 at Uganda Embassy, Doha

United Kingdom

September 14–21 at Uganda High Commission, London

United States of America

New York: September 23–25

Washington D.C.: September 26–28

New Orleans: September 29–31

All registration centres will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00pm.

Pre-registration is mandatory and can be completed online via the official portal at https://prereg.nsis.nira.go.ug/pre-registration-ui/#/eng.

Fraud and middlemen

NIRA reiterated a strong warning against fraudulent activities related to National ID registration and renewal.

“National ID registration and renewal is a free service. Do not pay anyone to fast-track your application,” Ollama cautioned.

She explained that there are currently no express services available, so any promises of expedited processing are false and potentially illegal.

Furthermore, any official fees related to corrections (Change of Particulars) are payable only through designated banks and never in cash or directly to any individual.

“We urge the public to report any requests for unofficial payments,” Ollama said, sharing the official NIRA WhatsApp line — 0766 501071 — for reporting fraud or suspicious activities.

Citizens were also advised to engage only with officers wearing official NIRA aprons and reminded that a registration slip is merely a tracking document, not proof of payment.

“Together, we can clean the system,” Ollama said.

Focus on child registration

The campaign continues to emphasise the importance of child registration, which is not only about issuing a National Identification Number but also about belonging, identity, and protection.

“We celebrate the emotional and powerful stories coming from parents, teachers, and children proudly declaring their clan, tribe, and Ugandan heritage,” Ollama said.

She urged parents, guardians, and caretakers to complete child registration by filling out forms sent home from schools or preregistering online and providing the child’s Application ID at school.

“Empower your children to know who they are and where they come from,” she encouraged.

NIRA also welcomed videos and stories highlighting this cultural celebration, inviting citizens to share their moments of pride by sending them to info@nira.go.ug with consent.