governance 29 September 2026 Nile Post
National ID Crucial for Uganda's Future, Minister Kamuntu States
Minister of Internal Affairs, Professor Ephraim Kamuntu, has emphasized the pivotal role of a robust national identification system in Uganda's progress, highlighting its importance for planning, service delivery, and financial inclusion. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/374350/national-id-at-heart-of-ugandas-future-kamuntu-says-as-identity-expo-opens
Professor Ephraim Kamuntu, the Minister of Internal Affairs, has declared that a reliable national identification system is fundamental to Uganda’s developmental agenda. Speaking at the opening of the My Identity Expo and Symposium 2026, held at Kololo Airstrip, Kamuntu underscored that accurate citizen identification is indispensable for effective national planning and the efficient delivery of services.
He stated that the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has become increasingly vital for Uganda’s governance and socio-economic advancement. “Unless you have accurate population data, the country cannot plan effectively, and it is NIRA that can do that better,” Kamuntu noted, highlighting NIRA’s significant role in identifying Ugandans.
The three-day expo aims to convene government bodies, development partners, technology specialists, and the public to deliberate on how identity systems can fortify governance, enhance service access, and bolster national development.
Minister Kamuntu also touched upon the persistent ambiguities surrounding citizenship and national identity, even as Uganda observes a century since the formation of its current borders. He remarked, “We are celebrating 100 years since the boundaries of Uganda were formed, but we still have unresolved questions about who is a Ugandan.”
He reiterated that the national identification system is now central to numerous facets of Ugandan life, including access to government services, financial inclusion, national security, and planning. “The National ID is now at the center of Uganda’s ecosystem,” Kamuntu concluded as he officially opened the symposium.
The My Identity Expo and Symposium 2026 is set to feature a range of activities, including exhibitions, panel discussions, and public engagement sessions focused on identity management and registration, with the objective of exploring innovations and strategies to strengthen Uganda’s national identification system and improve service delivery.
Source: Nile Post