Why Uganda’s National ID Cards Expire Even Though Your NIN Never Changes
Kampala — While a Ugandan’s National Identification Number (NIN) remains the same for life and citizenship is permanent, many people still wonder why the physical National ID card comes with an expiry date.
According to information shared by government communication officials, the card’s validity period is guided by several practical and legal factors.
First, the Registration of Persons Act (ROPA) mandates that every National ID card has a lifespan of 10 years. This ensures periodic renewal for accuracy and compliance. Second, human biometrics—such as facial features and fingerprints—change subtly over time, making it necessary to update records and photographs.
Additionally, because the National ID also functions as a travel document, it must comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, which require time-bound validity. The physical durability of the card is another factor, as materials wear out with years of handling.
Authorities emphasize that while the card itself expires, a citizen’s identity and NIN remain unchanged. The renewal process is aimed at keeping the document secure, current, and internationally acceptable.
