The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has officially started distributing more than five million newly designed National Identity Cards to districts across Uganda. The rollout marks a major step in the National ID renewal and registration drive that began in May 2025, part of the government’s broader effort to modernize identity management in Uganda.
According to NIRA, the registration campaign aimed to renew approximately 15.8 million existing IDs and issue 17.2 million new cards to first-time applicants, including children under 17 and Ugandans who missed the 2014 registration exercise.
So, what makes the new Uganda National ID different from the old one? Here’s everything you need to know about the upgraded design, features, and collection process.
Advanced Security Features to Prevent Forgery
The new Uganda National ID cards come with significantly improved security and anti-counterfeiting features. One of the most notable updates is the use of laser engraving technology, which embeds multiple images of the cardholder directly into the polycarbonate material of the card.
This laser-engraved design makes duplication or alteration nearly impossible, enhancing protection against identity theft and forgery. According to NIRA, the security standards used in these new cards are on par with international biometric and e-passport systems.
Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) for Faster Verification
For the first time, Uganda’s National ID will include a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) similar to what’s found in modern passports. The MRZ contains encoded data that can be scanned by machines to verify an individual’s identity instantly.
This feature allows for faster, more reliable verification at airports, banks, border points, and government offices, improving accuracy and reducing the risk of manual errors.
2D Barcode for Digital and Mobile Authentication
Each card also features a 2D barcode that securely stores encrypted personal information. This barcode can be scanned using smartphones or authorized electronic readers for quick digital verification.
This digital capability supports Uganda’s growing e-governance infrastructure, paving the way for online service access, e-health records, and digital banking authentication in the near future. It’s a step toward making the National ID Uganda a central tool for both physical and online identity confirmation.
Durable Design with Modern Aesthetics
The new NIRA Uganda ID cards are made from high-strength polycarbonate, giving them a more polished look and a much longer lifespan.
The design maintains Uganda’s familiar national symbols — such as the flag colors and national emblem — while introducing a sleeker, modern style that reflects the country’s digital transformation. The updated cards are also resistant to bending, scratching, and heat damage.
How to Collect Your New Uganda National ID
According to NIRA Registrar Claire Ollama, more than five million cards have already been printed and distributed to districts across the country. However, she emphasized that the collection rate remains low and urged citizens to pick up their cards.
“These cards are in your districts, but the pickup is still very low,” Ollama said. “Please go to your nearest office and pick up your cards.”
She explained that since registration was conducted in different phases, distribution will also be done gradually, with cards arriving in batches over the next several weeks. Applicants are advised to collect their IDs from the NIRA offices where they originally registered.
Why the New National ID Matters
The upgraded National ID system is a cornerstone of Uganda’s digital transformation agenda. Beyond serving as proof of citizenship, the new IDs will streamline access to government services, enhance national security, and promote inclusion in financial and digital systems.
By adopting advanced verification technologies, NIRA Uganda aims to make identification faster, safer, and more reliable — bringing the country closer to a fully digital national registry that supports both offline and online transactions.
