The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has announced that legally resident foreign nationals in Uganda will be required to pay $100 to obtain alien identification documents as the authority prepares to expand its national identity registration programme.The new requirement was announced by NIRA Registrar Claire Ollama during a press conference at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala.According to NIRA, registration of eligible foreign nationals will begin on May 5, 2026, with successful applicants receiving an alien identification number and identification document.The requirement will apply to legally resident foreigners who have valid immigration documents issued by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.Applicants will be required to present documents such as valid work permits, student passes, dependent passes or permanent residence permits.
The immigration documents must have at least 90 days of validity at the time of registration.A valid passport will also be required as part of the application process.NIRA said the $100 charge for the alien identification document is provided for under the Registration of Persons Act and is intended to support the formal registration of foreign nationals living legally in Uganda.Ollama said the new system is expected to strengthen Uganda’s identity management system by ensuring that foreign nationals are properly captured in the national register.At the same time, NIRA announced a nationwide road-show targeting the production and issuance of approximately 10.3 million national identity cards for Ugandan citizens.The exercise is intended to help reduce the backlog of people waiting for their cards while also bringing registration and related services closer to communities.The mobile exercise is scheduled to begin in Wakiso on April 14, with additional operations in Arua, Buikwe and Jinja on April 15.Further activities will take place in different parts of the country, including Nebbi, Iganga, Masindi, Tororo, Hoima, Mbale, Kagadi, Soroti, Fort Portal City, Katakwi, Kyegegwa, Lira, Mubende and Moyo.The exercise will later move to Greater Gulu, including Gulu, Omoro and Amuru, on May 1, before reaching Kitgum on May 3.
NIRA said the road-show will complement its existing district offices rather than replace them.The authority explained that some district offices have faced high demand, long queues and delays, making the mobile approach necessary to bring services closer to citizens.NIRA is also continuing work on its partner management system, which allows authorised institutions to access the national identification register.
The authority said some partner institutions were still completing technical requirements for integration, while testing was continuing to ensure that the systems meet national standards and data protection requirements.NIRA has urged Ugandans waiting for their national IDs to take advantage of the upcoming mobile services and encouraged eligible foreign nationals to prepare the required documents before registration begins.The authority says the programme is part of wider efforts to modernise Uganda’s identity management system and improve access to identification services across the country.
