The Uganda National Identification Registration Authority (NIRA) has officially confirmed the schedule and locations for registering Ugandans living abroad. This comes as welcome news for many citizens eager to get their National Identification Cards (IDs). According to NIRA’s communications officer, Claire Ollawa, the registration will only be open to Ugandans in the diaspora who hold dual citizenship. Those who have taken up foreign citizenship alone without retaining their Ugandan citizenship will not be eligible for this service. “If you are living in America with only American citizenship, it means you gave up your Ugandan nationality, so you will not be registered,” she explained.
One of the biggest highlights is that this entire registration exercise will be free of charge. No Ugandan in the diaspora will be required to pay for registration, and this initiative aims to make access to national documents easier for citizens living abroad. Claire also emphasized the importance of coming prepared with all necessary documents to ensure the process moves smoothly. Registration will take place daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in all the listed locations.
For those living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), registration will happen between August 18th and 24th. Ugandans specifically in Dubai will be worked on between August 25th and 27th. In Qatar, the registration will take place from August 4th to 17th in the capital city, Doha.
Moving on to Europe, Ugandans in the United Kingdom will have the chance to register from September 14th to 21st at the Ugandan High Commission in London. For those living in the United States, registration dates are set for September 23rd to 25th. In Washington D.C., the process will continue from September 26th to 28th.
In addition to the diaspora updates, NIRA also addressed some common concerns among Ugandans back home. Claire clarified that changing your place of residence on the National ID is completely free. She dismissed earlier rumors that people had to pay Shs 200,000 for this service. However, she noted that payments are only required when making major changes like names or dates of birth — and only if proper supporting documents are provided.
Claire also issued a strong warning to schools and teachers who try to charge parents for registering students. “Registration of students in schools is totally free,” she said. “If any school demands money, parents should report it directly to us and NIRA will take legal action.” She further added that changing parent details on the ID can only be done at the NIRA headquarters in Kololo, specifically in the legal department.
This registration drive is a major opportunity for Ugandans living abroad to stay connected to their home country. With the process being free and scheduled in various countries, NIRA hopes many will take advantage of this chance to register and update their information.
