By THE INDEPENDENT UG
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The National Identification Registration Authority (NIRA) is considering a bold move ahead of the upcoming mass national ID enrollment: requiring all Ugandans to surrender their current cards before receiving new ones. This proposal, intended to streamline the process and address widespread issues, has sparked both anticipation and concern among citizens.
As Uganda approaches the expiration date of IDs issued in 2014, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) is gearing up for a mass enrollment drive with advanced features, including DNA integration. However, concerns over the misuse of IDs, particularly as loan collateral, have led to a proposed prerequisite for obtaining new IDs.
According to NIRA spokesperson Osborne Mushabe, the proposal suggests that presenting the old ID will be mandatory for acquiring the new one. This step is aimed at facilitating data verification, preventing ID duplication, and promoting responsible ID ownership. While acknowledging the prevalence of lost or pledged cards, Mushabe stressed the importance of prompt replacement to streamline the enrollment process.
Mushabe clarified that the proposal is still pending clearance.
Additionally, he issued a warning to Ugandans against using national IDs as collateral for loans, especially with moneylenders, emphasizing the illegality of such practices. He urged citizens to refrain from this, highlighting the importance of having their old cards ready for the upcoming mass enrollment exercise.
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