With Uganda just days away from the decisive 2026 General Elections, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has suspended the distribution of National Identity Cards at parish level nationwide, triggering concern among voters racing to finalize their eligibility.
NIRA Registrar Clare Ollama revealed that the issuance of National IDs at parish level has been suspended nationwide, with all parish offices remaining closed since January 10, 2026.
She made the announcement while addressing journalists at the police’s weekly press briefing, at the police headquaters in Naguru, Kampala.
According to Ollama, all NIRA services have since been relocated to sub-county offices. However, this arrangement will also be short-lived, as ID issuance at sub-county level will be temporarily halted from January 14 to 16, 2026, to pave the way for what she described as a smooth electoral process.
She further disclosed that NIRA offices will remain closed on January 14th, 15th and 16th, as well as January 22nd, January 27th and February 4th, 2026. During this period, all registration equipment will be withdrawn from sub-counties and returned to NIRA offices.
Ollama emphasized that the suspension is intended to allow Ugandans to fully exercise their civic rights and participate freely in the forthcoming general elections without administrative disruptions.
While parish-level ID issuance will only resume after the conclusion of the elections, she assured the public that sub-county services will continue on other normal working days. NIRA said communication on the full resumption of services will be made once the electoral process is concluded.
The announcement comes at a critical moment, with National IDs playing a central role in voter identification, heightening public attention as the country heads to the polls.
