Pader authorities dismiss rumours of NIRA October shutdown

28 October 2025, 11:21 am

By Okwong Geoffrey

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) services will continue operating normally despite widespread rumors that the exercise will stop in October 2025, officials in Pader district have confirmed.

Denis Niwamanya, the NIRA District Registration Officer for Pader, dismissed the claims as baseless and urged the public to continue accessing services including new registration, ID replacements, renewals, and corrections.

Speaking to our reporter on Monday, Niwamanya said, “People should not panic. NIRA services are still ongoing, and we encourage everyone to come and register. If there will be any stoppage, it will be communicated officially by our headquarters in Kampala. For now, all operations continue as normal.”

He explained that even if field operations are halted at some point, staff will be moved back to the district offices to continue serving the public.
“The exercise cannot just stop. If field activities end, we shall relocate to the district office and continue serving our people,” he added.

Residents share mixed experiences
Some residents who turned up for the ongoing exercise shared their challenges and expectations.
Charity Alimo, a resident of Olworngu South in Acoro parish, Pader town council, said she has suffered greatly due to lack of a National ID.

“I have failed to get jobs because every company asks for an ID. I decided to come today and apply so I can improve my life,” she said.
She advised others without National IDs to bring the required documents and make use of the ongoing enrollment.
Another applicant, Doreen Akello, 24, from Acuru England village in Agengo subcounty, Agago district, expressed frustration over delays in her area.

“A NIRA field staff came to our village only once and never returned. I had to spend 10,000 shillings on transport to Pader to register,” she explained, blaming the poor road network that makes access to services difficult.

Background
The ongoing national mass enrollment and renewal exercise started in May 2025. However, a warning issued in September 2025 indicated that financial constraints might cause delays or disruptions.
Despite this, NIRA offices across the country, including Pader, insist that services have not been suspended.