The Ministry of Internal Affairs has once again delayed the mass renewal of national identification cards, granting an additional year of validity to expired IDs. This move comes as the government seeks more time to implement critical security updates and address emerging challenges.
Originally slated for renewal between June and September 2024, the exercise had already been postponed to October 2025. Now, citizens will have an extended window to renew their IDs, with the new deadline offering an extra year before they must update their documents.
State Minister for Internal Affairs, General David Muhoozi, addressed the public, reassuring them that despite the delay, preparations for the renewal process remain on track. “The necessary equipment for the exercise is in place, and staff training is already underway,” Muhoozi stated.
In addition to the physical renewal process, the government is also focused on modernizing the National Security Information System (NSIS) to bolster the security features of national ID cards. These improvements are seen as essential for ensuring the long-term integrity of the national identification system.
During a recent parliamentary session, Members of Parliament raised concerns about the pace of the renewal process and the continued reliance on physical IDs. Rukiga County MP Roland Bish Ndyomugyenyi called for a shift towards a fully digitalized system for ID renewals, arguing that this could streamline the process and enhance efficiency. MP Asuman Basalirwa from Bugiri Municipality also expressed concerns, questioning the financial burden of such programs on taxpayers.
In response, Minister Muhoozi assured that the government is already working on the development of digital IDs. These digital solutions, he explained, would reduce costs for citizens while addressing issues related to expired IDs.
The extension of the renewal deadline not only gives citizens more time to renew their IDs but also allows the government to push forward with plans to digitize the system and strengthen security measures for future national IDs.
