Ugandans living abroad who have acquired citizenship in their countries of residence will not be eligible for Uganda’s National Identification Cards unless they possess valid Ugandan passports or official documents, according to the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).
NIRA Registrar Claire Ollama clarified that only Ugandans with proof of citizenship such as a Ugandan passport will be permitted to register for or renew their national IDs during the upcoming Diaspora exercise.
She noted that those with dual citizenship are eligible, but anyone who has renounced their Ugandan citizenship or cannot provide the necessary documentation will not be processed.
The national ID registration and renewal exercise for Ugandans in the Diaspora is scheduled to begin next month across several countries.
In Qatar, the process will run from August 4 to 17. In the United Arab Emirates, it will take place from August 18 to 24, followed by Dubai from August 25 to 27.
In the United Kingdom, registration will be conducted from August 14 to 21.
The exercise will also extend to the United States from August 23 to 25, including designated sessions in Washington, D.C., and New Orleans.
This initiative is part of a broader campaign by the government to update and issue national IDs ahead of the 2026 general elections, with a focus on ensuring that Ugandans abroad are included in national identification and electoral processes.
By Ben Musanje
28th July 2025
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