Uganda Registers Over 35 Million Citizens in Massive National ID Overhaul
Kampala, 13 February 2026
Uganda has completed an ambitious nine-month identification registration exercise, enrolling more than 35 million citizens in a modernised national database. The programme, which ran from May 2025 to February 2026, successfully migrated 28.5 million records from the old system whilst registering 14 million new applicants. However, a striking bottleneck has emerged: whilst 10 million new ID cards have been printed, only 2.5 million have reached citizens’ hands, leaving millions waiting for collection. The new system introduces advanced features including QR codes, though these remain inactive pending a system upgrade expected within a month. This comprehensive digitalisation effort positions Uganda to dramatically improve government service delivery and citizen verification processes.
Massive Data Migration Operation Succeeds
The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) executed one of Africa’s largest citizen data migration exercises, successfully transferring 28,571,893 records from Uganda’s legacy identification system into the new national register [1]. NIRA Registrar Claire Ollama confirmed on 13 February 2026 that the parish-level mass enrolment and renewal exercise, which began on 27 May 2025, officially concluded on 8 February 2026 after receiving a three-month extension [1]. The comprehensive operation registered 14 million people whilst simultaneously migrating existing records, ensuring continuity of service for Uganda’s established citizens [1].
Distribution Challenges Despite Production Success
Whilst NIRA successfully printed 10 million new identification cards during the exercise, a significant distribution gap has emerged with only 2.5 million cards issued from the 7 million dispatched to collection points as of February 2026 [1]. This leaves approximately 4.500 million cards awaiting collection by citizens across the country. NIRA officials are urgently encouraging Ugandans to collect their completed identification documents, as the backlog represents a substantial operational challenge that could delay the full implementation of the new system’s benefits [1]. Public Relations Officer Osborn Mushabe emphasised that citizens aged 18 and above who participated in the exercise need only collect their cards rather than re-register [1].
Technology Integration Progresses with Temporary Limitations
The new national identification cards feature advanced QR code technology designed to enhance verification processes, though these digital features remain temporarily inactive pending a comprehensive system upgrade [4]. NIRA has indicated that the QR codes will become operational within approximately one month of 10 February 2026, following completion of necessary technological infrastructure improvements [4]. During this interim period, banks and telecommunications companies have received alternative verification methods to ensure continued service provision whilst the digital integration is finalised [4]. This phased implementation approach reflects Uganda’s commitment to establishing a robust technological foundation before full system activation.
Strategic Focus Shifts to Child Registration and Future Operations
With parish-based services now concluded as of 8 February 2026, NIRA has transitioned back to standard operations through district offices whilst prioritising child registration due to historically low participation rates [1]. The authority planned to register 17.2 million Ugandans at parish level during the mass exercise, positioning this initiative as a cornerstone of Uganda’s administrative modernisation efforts [1]. Mushabe noted that whilst all Ugandans aged 16 and above qualify for national identification, the system’s primary function extends beyond mere documentation to serve as definitive proof of Ugandan citizenship for accessing government services [1]. The completion of this exercise establishes a foundation for improved resource allocation and governance through reliable citizen identification, marking a transformative moment in Uganda’s digital infrastructure development [1].