The National Identification Registration Authority (NIRA) has announced that the nationwide registration of children for National ID cards has now entered its fifth week. In a renewed appeal, NIRA urged parents and stakeholders to prioritize the registration of children to ensure their inclusion in Uganda’s national identification system.

Claire Ollama, a NIRA registration officer from Buikwe District, made the appeal during a media briefing in Kampala. She emphasized the importance of registering children early, citing potential negative effects if registration is delayed.

“Parents should prioritize registering their children to secure their identity and rights as Ugandan citizens,” Ollama urged.

Ollama also issued a stern warning to foreigners against attempting to involve themselves in the registration process. She clarified that the exercise is exclusively for Ugandan citizens and emphasized the need to safeguard national identity.

This registration is only for Ugandans. Foreigners should not attempt to register unless they are formalizing their citizenship,” she insisted.

The registration officer explained that non-Ugandans seeking to obtain National IDs must go through official channels to formalize their citizenship status. She stressed that this process is essential for genuine cases and not for illegal or fraudulent claims.

In her concluding remarks, Claire Ollama called on Ugandans to remain patriotic and guard their citizenship rights carefully. She warned that selling or relinquishing Ugandan citizenship to foreigners could have serious repercussions for the country's security and development.

We must protect our citizenship and our national identity, as they are vital assets for Uganda’s future,” she emphasized.

According to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, Uganda’s population stands at approximately 45.9 million, with over half under the age of 18. Children aged 0-17 years comprise 50.5% of the population, highlighting the importance of registering the youth in the national database.

As the registration campaign continues, stakeholders remain hopeful that widespread participation will strengthen Uganda’s national identity system and foster patriotic responsibility among citizens.