The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has announced a nationwide exercise to register all foreign residents and issue them with Alien Identification Cards, with each applicant required to pay a fee of $100.
According to the directive, the registration exercise will officially commence on May 5, 2026, marking a significant step by government to formalize and streamline the identification of non-citizens living in Uganda.
NIRA indicated that all foreign nationals residing in the country will be required to obtain an alien identification number as part of the process. The exercise is being implemented in coordination with the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, which will play a key role in verifying applicants’ legal status.
Applicants will be required to present valid immigration documentation issued by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control as part of the registration requirements.
Officials say the exercise is anchored in the Registration of Persons Act and its accompanying regulations, which mandate the identification and documentation of all persons residing within Uganda’s borders, including foreign nationals.
The move is expected to enhance national security, improve data accuracy on foreign residents, and support planning and service delivery. It also aligns Uganda with international best practices on migration management and population registration.
However, the introduction of a $100 registration fee may raise concerns among sections of the expatriate and migrant community, particularly low-income workers, about affordability and access.
NIRA has urged all affected individuals to comply within the stipulated timelines once the exercise begins, warning that failure to register may attract penalties as prescribed by law.
Further details on registration centers, timelines, and enforcement measures are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
