NIRA Faces Massive ID Backlog, Seeks Thousands of Workers to Clear Millions of Uncollected Cards

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) is facing a significant challenge, with over 5.4 million national identity cards awaiting collection. This substantial backlog, revealed to Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE), is primarily attributed to a shortage of personnel.

Rosemary Kisembo, NIRA’s Executive Director, informed the committee that the authority’s approved staffing level of 571 positions is inadequate for its mandate. Currently, only 418 positions are filled, with a mere 201 staff directly serving the public. This limited workforce is struggling to manage the immense task of issuing identification documents.

NIRA is requesting an increase in its permanent establishment to 998 positions. Additionally, they are seeking approval to hire at least 2,700 temporary workers for an 18-month period. This temporary staff would be crucial for processing renewals, registering new applicants, updating personal details, and supporting birth and death registrations.

Kisembo explained that even with a dedicated team, it would take approximately nine months to distribute the outstanding cards. The proposed temporary workforce is intended to address the backlog stemming from a previous mass enrolment and renewal program that utilized between 9,800 and 12,000 temporary staff.

However, Kisembo cautioned that this would only offer short-term relief, as NIRA would revert to its limited permanent staff after the temporary arrangement concludes. The authority, mandated by the Registration of Persons Act, 2015, as amended, also has expanded responsibilities, including civil registration functions like marriage, transferred from other government agencies.

Concerns were also raised by MPs regarding service efficiency and potential system integration issues, with citizens reporting difficulties in collecting cards and issues with ID activation. NIRA acknowledged ongoing system connectivity challenges, particularly with the driving permit system, but stated interim solutions are in place.

Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4610/nira-seeks-thousands-workers-clear-id-backlog