New National IDs Face Scrutiny Over Faulty QR Codes

The effectiveness of Uganda’s new national identity cards is facing significant questions in Parliament due to persistent issues with their QR code verification system. Aswa County Member of Parliament, Hon. Patrick Okello Onguti, highlighted the problem, stating that many citizens are being denied access to crucial services like banking and mobile phone registration because the QR codes on their new IDs are not being recognized.

Hon. Onguti expressed dismay that the new identification system, meant to streamline access to services, is instead creating barriers. “Ugandans are crying out because when seeking banking services, buying new SIM cards from the telecom service providers and SIM card replacements, some of these services that require the QR code, the new IDs’ QR codes are not responding,” he told the House.

He urged the government and the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to provide clear explanations for the ongoing failures. NIRA had previously acknowledged issues with QR code integration in February 2026, promising a resolution by March 2026. However, Hon. Onguti pointed out that the problem continues months past the stated deadline.

“I therefore pray and request that the Minister for Internal Affairs and NIRA explain to the country and give a deadline when the national IDs will be operationalised,” he implored.

Further concerns were raised about a Shs5,000 fee for a NIRA letter, an interim measure for those whose cards cannot be electronically verified. The government, through Chief Whip Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, acknowledged the issues and pledged to secure a response from the Minister of Internal Affairs.

Source: Parliament of Uganda