Uganda – NIRA to borrow UGX370Bn from local banks for mass National ID registration
Published: 31/Oct/2023
Source: ParliamentWatch.ug
Prisca Wanyenya
National Identification and Registrations Authority (NIRA) has revealed plans to seek a loan worth UXX370Bn from local commercial banks to fund the mass enrolment and renewal of national Identity Cards (IDs).
The revelation was made by the Executive Director of NIRA, Rosemary Kisembo, while appearing before Parliament’s Defence and Internal Affairs Committee, had summoned the Authority to update Parliament on the progress of the national mass enrolment and renewal of National IDs.
Kisembo informed the Committee that although Cabinet approved a budget of UGX666.850Bn for the new National Security Information System with the project meant to run between June 2023 to August 2024, the money was not provided for in the 2023/24 financial year budget.
To NIRA, this delay to kickstart the renewal of National IDs and enrolment of new Ugandans is likely to grossly affect the implementation of the 2026 general elections roadmap that was released by the Electoral Commission nearly three months ago. For purposes of making the national voters roll, the Electoral Commission is mandated by law to tap into the NIRA database for the particulars of Ugandans eligible to vote.