In a bid to streamline the citizenship registration process and ensure the accuracy of information captured, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has unveiled comprehensive guidelines for the upcoming mass enrollment and mass renewal activity.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, NIRA’s Executive Director, Rosemary Kisembo, emphasized, that the enrollment form is the cornerstone of citizenship registration, and we derive the mandate from the Registration of Persons Act 2015. The form has three essential parts, which help us in capturing vital information for citizenship determination,” she said.
“Part A,” Kisembo explained, “is all about the individual.” This section encompasses personal details such as name, occupation, education, and disabilities, crucial for establishing identity and eligibility for citizenship.
Notably, she emphasized, “There is an option for individuals to select the names they prefer to appear on their national ID for those known by alternative names due to various circumstances.”
Moving to “Part B,” Kisembo highlighted the importance of accurate residency information, stressing, “The indicated place of residence must align with official records to avoid discrepancies. We urge citizens to adhere strictly to recognized district boundaries, and caution against the creation of fictitious districts.”
“Part C,” she continued, “comprises details about one’s lineage, including place of birth and origin.” Kisembo said, “The significance of providing precise information, particularly regarding birth events, is non-negotiable and verifiable through established records.”
Additionally, she clarified the distinction between citizenship types, emphasizing that citizenship by birth or descent is not contingent upon birth within Ugandan borders but rather ancestral lineage.
