NIRA to host identity expo amid registration and collection backlogs

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) in Uganda is set to host an Identity Expo and Symposium from September 24 to 26, 2026. The event aims to accelerate national identification coverage and discuss the role of identity in financial services, taxation, and digital government.

NIRA Executive Director Rosemary Kisembo reported that approximately 35.58 million people, or 75 percent of the population, are currently on the national register. However, millions of Ugandans remain unregistered, hindering inclusive development and access to essential services.

Additionally, NIRA is facing a significant backlog, with approximately 5.4 million newly printed national identity cards remaining uncollected. Kisembo attributed this delay to staffing shortages, noting that while 15.4 million cards have been printed, only about 10 million have been issued. The authority is currently seeking to increase its permanent workforce from 571 to 998 positions to address the workload and clear the backlog.