The National Identification Registration Authority (NIRA) has said it is mooting a plan to have all Ugandans present their old national IDs before being issued new ones during the forthcoming mass enrollment.
NIRA is set to enroll Ugandans for new national IDs with new features including DNA.
The current national IDs issued 10 years ago expire this year.
Addressing journalists in Kampala, NIRA spokesperson, Osbone Mushabe said they are mooting a proposal that before issuing the new national IDs, Ugandans will have to present the old ones.
Mushabe said that records have indicated that several Ugandans have either lost, misplaced, or used their national IDs as security to acquire loans from moneylenders and have not bothered to get them back or replace them.
“ It is important to know that it is very risky for any citizen out there not to be having a national ID at this moment yet it is crucial in accessing key government services or even other services like banking among others,” Mushabe said.
“Our maiden call to all Ugandans who have lost their national IDs is to have them replaced as soon as possible to avert any challenges that may arise during the mass renewal exercise since the old cards will be required for one to get a new one.”
He however said this is still a proposal that awaits clearance.
Mushabe also warned Ugandans against using national IDs as collateral for acquiring loans, especially from moneylenders, noting it is illegal
“Therefore it is prudent for such people to stop using their IDs in such a way such that when the mass exercise starts all citizens have their old cards which will be handed over.”
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