The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has expressed concern over the low number of people who have enrolled for fresh registration for national IDs since the exercise started. NIRA reports that since the exercise began, 5.3 million Ugandans have registered, but most of these are renewals rather than fresh registrations.
This information was disclosed by NIRA Public Relations Officer Claire Ollama at a press conference held at the Media Centre in Kampala, where she addressed the country on the progress of the exercise.
Although the reported number may seem impressive, the campaign requires further promotion. Under this arrangement, the commission is considering initiating school registration, where the exercise would be conducted twice a week.
Meanwhile, NIRA has launched a new initiative to register students as a way of increasing enrollment nationwide.
The commission has also issued a strong warning against Ugandans who intend to continue violating the registration process, reminding them of the repercussions of forgery. This follows reports of public extortion by NIRA staff.
Ollama stated that the commission has instructed action against all staff engaged in such acts, from the Police and Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), among others. She also confirmed cases of extortion where some staff have been involved in soliciting funds before providing services.
