The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has explained the factors behind the expiry of Ugandan National Identification Cards but also highlighted the measures being taken by the government to address the delays in renewal of the expired IDs which had become contentious.
In the statement, IA Minister Major General Kahinda Otafiire reffered to an intervention by government in 2024, which extended the validity period of all National Identification Cards by an additional year. Consequently, all identification cards initially issued with a validity period of ten (10) years are now valid for eleven (11) years from the date of issuance.
The statement follows several complaints from sections of the public whose National IDs got expired. The National IDs are used as one of the acceptable vital documents and citizens with expired IDs have been experiencing numerous challenges.
In the statement, Gen. Otafiire said the Ministry of Internal Affairs is aware of the challenges faced by citizens holding expired identification cards, particularly while using them as travel documents within the East African Community (EAC). To address this challenge, Otafiire said his ministry has engaged the Ministry of East African Affairs and that of Foreign Affairs, to signal the other EAC member states about this provisional time bound measure with the aim is to secure acceptance of this interlude measure of extended cards for travel purposes within the region.
Gen Otafiire defended the expiry of Ugandan National IDs the inclusion of expiry dates on Uganda’s national
identification cards serves practical, legal, and security purposes as including:
l.Updating Security features. Technology and security measures evolve rapidly. An expiry date ensures that identification cards can be periodically updated to incorporate advanced security features, making them less susceptible to forgery or misuse.
2. Data Accuracy and Currency. Over time, personal details such as physical appearance, addresses, and contact information may change. An expiry date
encourages citizens to update their information periodically, ensuring that NIRA maintains an accurate and up-to-date database.
3.Wear and Tear. Physical identification cards are subject to wear and tear over time due to regular
use. An expiry date allows for the timely replacement of cards to ensure their functionality and readability,
which is critical for verifying identity.
4.International Standards Compliance. Section 5(2) of the Registration of Persons Act, Cap 332, provides that NIRA shall observe generally accepted
information security practices and procedures, and specific industry or professional rules and regulations. This therefore aligns Uganda with international standards and facilitates the use of the national identification card for cross-border travel and other international purposes.
Nonetheless, Otafiire noted that NIRA is soon starting the mass enrolment and renewal exercise, albeit slightly later than earlier planned, but nevertheless still within the stipulated time to renew all the expired National Identity
cards and also enlist fresh eligible entrants on the national identity information register.
The minister also informed Parliament that NIRA, is actively developing new technological advancements to enhance the National Security Information System (NSIS) and improve the security features of our National Identification cards before the commencement of the
mass enrolment exercise.
He stated that the long-term plan, is to introduce e-IDs with no expiry, a measure that will save costs and reduce the inconvenience associated with mass physical card renewals.
“Right Honourable Speaker and Honourable Members, the extension of the validity period by an extra period of one year provides the necessary timeframe to integrate these upgrades into the renewal process, as well as mitigating any of the arising inconveniences to service delivery
before renewal, thus improving the overall functionality and security of the system and cards. The extension
therefore is a provisional stop gap measure and not a substitute for new national identity cards.” Gen. Otafiire added.
Gen. Otafiire also clarified that expiry of a national identification card does not, under any circumstances, amount to the expiry of a person’s citizenship citing Section 69(5) of the Registration of Persons Act and Section 68(2) which affirm that an individual’s National Identification Number (NIN) is prima facie evidence of citizenship. The law affirms that a NIN is lifetime number, which remains valid until a citizen’s death.