The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has announced enhanced security features for Uganda’s National Identification Cards, ahead of a nationwide mass renewal exercise scheduled to commence on May 27, 2025.
Speaking to the media, NIRA Executive Director Rosemary Kisembo highlighted several advanced features aimed at boosting the security and integrity of the national ID system.
Key among them is the Multiple Laser Image (MLI), which uses laser engraving to embed multiple images visible at different angles, making the card significantly harder to forge.
Other features include the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) a standardized section of the ID containing encoded data that can be quickly and accurately scanned and a Quick Response (QR) Code, which stores data in a two-dimensional barcode format readable by smartphones or specialized scanners.
The mass enrollment and ID renewal campaign will target over 15.8 million Ugandans, whose national IDs, are set to expire by June 2025.
Some IDs have already lapsed, prompting the need for urgent re-registration.
Government has allocated over UGX 600 billion to facilitate the exercise, which is expected to span 6 to 10 months.
The upgraded IDs are part of broader efforts by the government to strengthen digital identity systems and reduce fraud, while improving service delivery and national security.
By Olivia Nabaggala
14th May 2025
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