By Sekaggya Seka Moses
As the National Identification and Registration Authority (Nira) prepares for mass enrolment and renewal of National Identity cards, concerns arise about the system’s ability to build trust and avoid past mistakes.
Uganda’s digital ID system has faced criticism for bureaucratic inefficiencies and exclusion of marginalized groups, leading to a lack of trust among citizens.
A recent report highlighted the issues with the current system, including the exclusion of one-third of Uganda’s adult population, particularly women, older persons, and disadvantaged individuals.
With 17.4 million Ugandans unregistered, Nira’s upcoming exercise presents an opportunity to address these concerns.
However, challenges persist, including inadequate information dissemination, limited access to digital devices and the internet in rural areas, and privacy concerns.
To restore trust, Nira must prioritize transparency, ensure accessible information, and address privacy concerns through clear communication and robust security measures.
The success of the National ID system hinges on addressing these challenges, and the government’s investment in the system can only be justified if it prioritizes citizen’s needs and rights.
Will Uganda’s new ID system build trust, or will it repeat the failures of the past? Only time will tell.
Source: Bainocularug
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