HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has confirmed that it will begin registering Ugandans living abroad for national identity cards starting in August 2025.
The move is part of a broader effort to include the Ugandan diaspora in national documentation systems ahead of key electoral processes and public service reforms.
Clare Omalla, the Registrar of NIRA revealed that the pilot phase of this initiative will begin in the Middle East, specifically in Qatar and then United Arab Emirates (UAE), before expanding to other countries.
“We are commencing diaspora registration in August starting with Qatar and UAE. We shall work in close coordination with embassies in those countries to ensure a smooth process,” Omalla stated while addressing journalists in Kampala.
This registration is being seen as a long-awaited opportunity for thousands of Ugandans abroad who have faced difficulties accessing government services due to lack of valid national IDs.
Omalla also called upon Ugandan social media influencers and content creators with large followings abroad to help raise awareness about the program.
“We urge those who have a strong online presence, especially among Ugandans in the Middle East, to assist us in spreading this important information,” she added.
This overseas registration will allow Ugandans living outside the country to not only receive new or renewed national IDs but also be better positioned to participate in future democratic processes and access essential national services.
Omalla further noted that Ugandans born in the countries where they’re going to have these tours shall also have the chance to register as Ugandans and get themselves National IDs.
NIRA says it will release detailed guidelines on registration schedules and embassy coordination in the coming weeks.
NIRA’s diaspora campaign comes at a time when the institution is handling the renewal of nearly 16 million expired national ID cards back home. Over 100,000 renewed IDs have already been printed and dispatched across Uganda. Efforts are now being made to notify applicants when and where to collect their cards.
