A senior minister in President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni’s government has offered a somewhat shocking answer to Ugandans who have been complaining that Shs200,000 is much money to be charged as the fee for the replacement of each of lost national identity card (ID).
On Thursday, September 01, it was revealed that the National Identification Registration Authority (Nira) had suggested that fees for the replacement of national IDs or correction as well well as making of changes to the particulars on this key identification card be increased to Shs200,000.
Currently, the correction of particulars and replacement of each national ID costs Shs50,000.
But Maj Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, the minister of internal affairs, informed members of Parliament (MPs) on the Committee on Defense and Internal Affairs that government is pondering buying the proposal by Nira to increase the fees to Shs200,000.
Proceeds from this increment will contribute to the Shs600bn needed to effect the renewal of all national IDs starting June 2023. The project for the renewal of national IDs will be implemented over a 15-month period, according to minister Otafiire.
During the interface between Minister Otafiire and MPs on the Committee on Defense and Internal Affairs, several legislators led by Sheema District Woman MP Rosemary Nyakikongoro, complained about Shs200,000 being too high for most Ugandans.
Reporters put the question of this proposed figure being high. And Otafiire’s response left many shocked and disappointed.
“If you think it’s too much, don’t lose your ID. The best way to avoid that Shs200,000 is not to lose your ID,” said Otafiire.
Meanwhile, Museveni’s government has revealed how much each Ugandan will need to pay to have his or her national ID renewed next year. (Read Story Here).
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