NIRA Rolls Out Diaspora National ID Renewal Drive, Targets Ugandans in Middle East, UK, and U.S. Cities

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has officially launched a major diaspora outreach program to facilitate the renewal and issuance of National Identification Cards to Ugandan citizens living abroad. This marks a significant extension of the ongoing national mass registration and renewal campaign beyond Uganda’s borders.

The international campaign, which began on August 4, is scheduled to take place in various cities across the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The initiative is designed to bring essential national identification services closer to Ugandan diaspora communities.

Scheduled Dates and Locations:

• Qatar (Doha): August 4 and August 17
• Abu Dhabi: August 18–24
• Sharjah City: August 25–27
• Ras Al-Khaimah: August 28–30
• United Kingdom (London – Ugandan High Commission): September 14–21
• United States (New York): September 23–25
• United States (Washington, D.C.): September 26–28
• United States (New Orleans): September 29–31

This program targets Ugandan citizens holding Ugandan passports and those with officially registered dual citizenship. However, Ugandans who obtained foreign nationality without formally registering as dual citizens will not be eligible.

NIRA confirmed that this diaspora-focused effort aligns with Uganda’s broader digital modernization initiative. It follows the domestic enrollment and renewal campaign that began on May 27, 2025, aiming to renew 15.8 million National IDs and register over 17.2 million new applicants. The updated National IDs will include advanced biometric features such as iris scans and security chips to support digital service delivery and national security systems.

Requirements for ID Renewal Abroad:

• Expired National ID (original or copy)
• In case of a lost card: Police report
• UGX 50,000 fee for lost ID replacement
• UGX 200,000 for changes to personal information

Requirements for New Applicants:

• LC1 letter (signed and stamped by a security officer), OR a certificate of Ugandan citizenship from the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control
• For minors under 18: Copy of at least one parent’s or close relative’s National ID

This outreach has been positively received by the Ugandan diaspora, many of whom have faced challenges accessing vital national services due to expired or missing IDs. With National IDs becoming essential for voting, banking, immigration, and digital services, NIRA’s move ensures inclusivity for Ugandans both at home and abroad.

Citizens in the listed cities are encouraged to gather the necessary documents and attend the registration drive on their designated dates.

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