The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has announced temporary changes to its operations across the country to allow for the smooth conduct of elections this week.
The changes were confirmed by NIRA Registrar Claire Ollama, who said the authority reorganised its services to avoid disrupting the electoral process. She explained that NIRA had been operating at parish level, which overlaps with many polling venues.
“This is an election week, and we have adjusted how we offer our services to ensure Ugandans can fully participate in the elections,” Ollama said.
NIRA exited parish-level operations on Saturday, January 10. Effective Monday, January 12, no services will be offered at parish level. Issuance of national identity cards has been moved back to the sub-county level and will be available on January 12 and 13. However, no registration services will be conducted at sub-county offices during these two days.
Ollama also announced that NIRA offices will be fully closed from January 14 to 16, as well as on January 22, January 27, and February 4. During this period, registration equipment will be withdrawn from the field and returned to district offices for proper management.
“Between January 14 and 16, there will be no services at either parish or sub-county level,” she emphasised.
Limited services will continue on non-designated holidays, strictly at NIRA offices. The authority said further guidance on the resumption of parish-level services will be communicated after the elections.
For urban residents, NIRA outlined specific service points. In Kampala Central, services are available at Lumumba Avenue. In Wakiso District, centres include Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo, NIRA Kasangati offices, St Luke Church of Uganda Nansana, and selected community halls and churches. Nakawa Division residents have been directed to locations such as Nakawa Division Institute, MUBS Annex Bugolobi, and Ntinda Primary School Banda.
NIRA has urged the public to take note of the changes and plan accordingly.