Why Government Extended Expiring National IDs Validity from 2024 to 2025

This one-year extension was implemented to prevent disruptions in business activities and alleviate public anxiety as the country prepares for a mass enrollment, renewal, and registration of new National IDs.

Minister Muhoozi made this revelation while addressing the Parliament’s Defence and Internal Affairs Committee yesterday. He explained, “Because we need time in between to ensure that business continues and people aren’t disrupted, that anxiety you alluded to and we have done so by extension of one year plus or minus so that we ensure that people don’t get upset by what they do.”

He further clarified that the extension was formalized through a Statutory Instrument Amendment No.2, Regulations 2024, published on August 12, 2024. “So this should sort the anxiety that was starting in the public regarding on, what do we do, between now and when we get the new IDs? So the IDs that were due to expire within that period will be extended by one year,” Muhoozi added.

The extension has raised concerns, particularly regarding international travel. Joel Ssebikaali, representing Ntwetwe County, questioned, “If you say you are continuing with the IDs that are expired in Uganda, you are using the law of Uganda internally, how about outside Uganda because we are obliged to observe international treaties, and once my ID is expired, can I go to Rwanda, can I go to Kenya using the ID that is expired?”

Minister Muhoozi acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing that while the extension applies within Uganda’s jurisdiction, additional considerations may be required for international travel due to the expiration of IDs under international treaties.

This decision also aligns with Uganda’s broader national agenda, as the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) is expected to deliver updated data to the Electoral Commission by November 30, 2024. This data will be crucial for preparing the national voters’ register ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Despite delays in the mass enrollment exercise, initially scheduled for June 2024, the process is now back on track following the signing of a contract for the new national security system in July.

The extension not only provides a necessary buffer period for the government and citizens but also reflects a commitment to maintaining business continuity and reducing public anxiety during Uganda’s transition to a new national identification system.

This extension not only provides a buffer period for the government and citizens but also reflects a commitment to maintaining business continuity and reducing public anxiety as Uganda transitions to a new national identification system.