Ugandan travelers to Kenya and Rwanda are encountering difficulties at border points due to expired National IDs, despite a one-year extension on the IDs’ validity.
Travelers report being turned away or incurring extra costs, prompting the Ministry of Internal Affairs to advise using alternative travel documents.
Cross-border travel for Ugandans has hit a snag as many find their National IDs, essential for East African travel, no longer acceptable due to expiration issues. Despite a government-issued one-year extension of the IDs’ validity, many travelers have been denied entry at border points or asked to pay additional fees.
Simon Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, addressed the issue during a press briefing in Kampala on Monday. He urged Ugandans without passports to use the Certificate of Identity as a temporary solution.
“The Certificate of Identity allows travel to East Africa and COMESA member states and costs only 40,000 shillings. It can be obtained by presenting a copy of your National ID or proof of Ugandan citizenship,” Mundeyi explained.
This option offers relief for those who cannot afford or acquire a passport immediately. However, Mundeyi emphasized the importance of renewing National IDs to avoid disruptions.
“As you’re aware, the Minister of Internal Affairs extended the validity of National IDs by one year. We now urge all citizens to take advantage of this period to visit NIRA and renew their IDs,” he added.
The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) revealed in August that approximately 15.8 million National IDs will expire by August 2025. While a mass renewal and registration exercise was initially scheduled from June 2024 to September 2025, delays have pushed the start date indefinitely.
The postponements have left many Ugandans in limbo, particularly those dependent on seamless border travel for work or family obligations.
Travelers have expressed frustration over the situation, urging the government to fast-track the renewal process to prevent further inconvenience. For now, the Ministry is encouraging Ugandans to utilize passports or the Certificate of Identity and to participate in the upcoming National ID mass renewal exercise once it begins.
The delays in renewing National IDs pose a significant challenge to cross-border mobility, and with over 15 million IDs set to expire, the government faces mounting pressure to address the situation efficiently.
