NIRA launches mass distribution of over 10,000 National IDs in Arua
Speaking to the press, Allama Claire, NIRA Communications Officer for the West Nile region, said the authority is taking the exercise closer to the people due to the large number of identity cards that were not collected during last year’s mass enrolment exercise.
Francis Oyet
The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has launched the mass distribution of more than 10,000 National Identity Cards in Arua City and Arua District. The exercise, which began today, is being conducted at the OPM Grounds in Arua City.
Speaking to the press, Allama Claire, NIRA Communications Officer for the West Nile region, said the authority is taking the exercise closer to the people due to the large number of identity cards that were not collected during last year’s mass enrolment exercise.
“We urge the community to report anyone asking for money for National Identity Cards to our authorised officers, as this service is free of charge,” Ms Claire said. She added that members of the public should come and collect their National Identity Cards whether or not they have received a notification message.
Claire also explained that if an error is caused by the ID holder, they are required to pay 200,000 shillings to the bank; however, if the error is not their fault, the service is provided free of charge.
The distribution exercise is expected to run for seven days at Booma Grounds in Ayivu, Arua City, and Vurra in Arua District.
Residents have, however, expressed concerns about the long distances travelled, lack of shelter, and delays caused by the limited number of staff serving them.
Adema Ben, a resident of Anyafiyo Cell, Mvara Ward in Arua Central Division, appealed to government to extend the exercise to community level.
“NIRA should consider serving those coming from long distances first,” he said, while appreciating government’s initiative to register and issue National Identity Cards.
Orodriyo Jessica, a resident of Ombeko Cell in Arua City, said the process has been challenging due to long distances, lack of transport, and delays.
NIRA has urged the public to take advantage of the exercise to access essential services such as opening bank accounts, obtaining business permits and licences, job seeking, accessing medical services, and securing loans.
The authority has also warned its staff against extorting money from members of the public, emphasising that the service is provided free of charge.
