KAMPALA, Uganda — The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) on Wednesday unveiled the redesigned national identification card, boasting advanced security features and enhanced functionality. Mass enrollment for the new IDs is scheduled to commence nationwide on May 27 at all parishes.
NIRA Executive Director Rosemary Kisembo detailed the upgrades, emphasizing the integration of sophisticated biometrics, including fingerprints and iris scans, to bolster identity verification.
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A key security enhancement is a laser engraving technique that embeds multiple images within the card’s structure. These images become visible from varying angles, providing a robust defense against counterfeiting attempts, Kisembo explained.
The new national ID will also feature a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ), a standardized data strip commonly found on passports. This will allow for swift and reliable electronic reading of the cardholder’s information.
Furthermore, a two-dimensional (2D) barcode will be incorporated, capable of storing various data types, including URLs, text, identification details, and encrypted information. This barcode can be scanned using smartphones or specialized readers, facilitating rapid data retrieval and verification.
Kisembo outlined a range of functionalities supported by the upgraded ID, including online and offline verification, digital signatures, secure credentials access, eGovernment service support, physical authentication, compatibility with major mobile and tablet platforms, and a Mobile ID feature.
NIRA has procured 5,500 enrollment kits for the nationwide exercise. Of these, 5,300 kits will be deployed across the country, with the remaining 200 held in reserve to address any logistical needs.
The mass enrollment, set to begin in just under two weeks, signals a significant step by the Ugandan government to modernize its national identification system, aiming for greater security, efficiency, and broader integration with digital services.
