The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has urged parents and guardians across Uganda to register their children as early as birth, emphasizing that early registration provides lifelong benefits and protects children’s rights.

In a public awareness message, NIRA explained that just as a child is given a name at birth that remains with them for life, registration gives a child an official identity in government records. Central to this identity is the National Identification Number (NIN), a unique number assigned once and retained permanently.

A NIN Is for Life

According to NIRA, children do not currently receive a plastic National ID card. However, once registered, they are issued a NIN, which stays with them for life. When a child reaches 16 years of age, the same NIN is used to issue their National ID card.

“The NIN is the child’s number for life,” NIRA emphasized, clarifying that early registration eliminates the need for repeated identity verification later in life.

Why Child Registration Is Important

NIRA highlighted several key reasons why registering children early is critical, even before they reach school-going age:

  • Education requirements: Schools often require birth and identity details during admission.
  • UNEB registration: Proper identification is necessary for registration with the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).
  • Access to health services: Government health programs rely on accurate population records.
  • Eligibility for government programs: Scholarships and other state-supported initiatives may require proof of citizenship.
  • Protection of children’s rights: Registration helps prevent child marriage and child labour by confirming a child’s true age.
  • Proof of parentage: Registration legally establishes family ties, supporting inheritance and succession rights.
  • Financial inclusion: Banks and financial institutions require a NIN to open accounts for children.
  • Future transactions: Passports, land registration, and other legal processes require a NIN.

Reducing Future Hassles for Parents

NIRA noted that many parents delay child registration until a NIN is urgently required, often leading to stress and long queues. Early registration ensures smoother access to essential services later in life.

“As NIRA, we would like to walk this journey with every parent by encouraging you to register your child as early as possible, even at birth,” the authority stated.

How to Register a Child in Uganda

Parents and guardians can register their children at the nearest NIRA center within their community. The process can also be initiated online, allowing families to begin registration before visiting a center for biometric capture and verification. The registration is free of charge. 

About NIRA

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) is the government agency mandated to register citizens and issue National Identification Numbers in Uganda. Established under the Registration of Persons Act, NIRA plays a critical role in national planning, service delivery, and safeguarding citizens’ legal identity from birth to adulthood.