By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has given five reasons why Ugandan National IDs expire after ten (10) years.
In a brief statement on NIRA X Handle today Friday, 23rd August, 2024, the Authority says it has been getting numerous queries on why the National ID expires.
The first reason according to NIRA is the degradation of security features.
“Over time the security features embedded in the National IDs, such as barcodes, and other elements degrade which makes it hard for machines to read the information,” says NIRA.
Secondly need for physical appearance updates because peoples physical features like faces, change with age. Renewal ensures that the photo and other personal details are updated to reflect such changes.
NIRA also says that overtime there are changes in finger prints due to natural changes in the human body to the extent that machines may not be able to read them entirely.
Wear and Tear of the Card itself after many years of use reduces its effectiveness as a secure document necessitating renewal.
Finally NIRA says there a standard 10 year expiry date set because its believed after such a time, most of the security features embedded in the IDs would likely degrade to a point where there is need to be refreshed.
NIRA is expected to carry out mass renewal and enrollment of National IDs starting October 2024.