NIRA TO DECENTRALIZE ID ISSUANCE IN GULU

Thousands of new stock of IDS at the NIRA Gulu offices awaiting issuance

By Biko Rombe

Gulu city

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) is set to bring its services closer to the community through a nationwide roadshow program aimed at mass ID issuance, registration, and renewals.

Speaking from Gulu City, officials revealed that the one-week exercise will run from May 1st to May 8th, 2026. The first phase, scheduled for May 1st and 2nd, will take place at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City. From May 4th to 8th, NIRA teams will move across various sub-counties to extend services to residents.

The Gulu District Registration Officer, Ogwang Ian Kenneth, urged the public to take advantage of the exercise, noting that a large number of IDs have already been processed.

“I am urging everyone to come for the roadshow. Almost all IDs are now printed. The people should get time and come for them. We intend to carry out mass issuance, and those above 16 years with NINs should come for what we call first IDs.”

“We shall also handle all your queries by checking the system to find out exactly what could be wrong with your IDs. Our intention is to have all these IDs printed by the end of this month,” he added.

According to him, more outreach activities could be organized if funding allows, with at least 20 registration staff expected to support the current exercise.

Kamba Amir, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Bardege-Layibi Division, emphasized the importance of national IDs in accessing government programs.

“NIRA is helping us through IDs to implement government programs like restocking, PDM, and other initiatives. It is important that people pick their IDs. We also urge leaders, whether working with NGOs or government, to spare time and come and collect their IDs,” he emphasized.

According to NIRA, as of last weekend, 130,000 IDs had been printed in the district. However, only 38,000 have been collected, leaving about 90,000 unclaimed.

Residents are encouraged to check for their national IDs during the roadshow, even if they have not received any notification message from NIRA.

Written by newsroom-radiopacis