Research
Uganda’s National ID Delivers $1.35 for Every $1 Invested
KAMPALA – The National Digital ID (NID) has significantly transformed Stella Nakazibwe’s role as a SACCO Administrator. “In my day-to-day work, I use my National ID to carry out financial transactions in the bank. Without it, I can’t access funds,” she says, her voice filled with a quiet confidence. “Now, I also use it to register for my school. You can’t sit for ICPAU papers without registering, and a National ID is essential.”
Nakazibwe’s story represents the promise of Uganda’s ambitious National ID system, launched in 2014 with the aim of streamlining government services, enhancing security, and boosting financial inclusion, with 97 percent believing it is essential.
A sound national ID system should meet key principles of inclusion, design, and governance, according to the World Bank. However, a 2017 study by the US government’s Center for Digital Development, formerly USAID, found that many digital ID systems are fragmented and focused on short-term goals, lacking clear evidence of their long-term social and economic benefits.
Ugandan law requires all citizens aged 16 and above to obtain a National ID linked to their demographic and biometric data. To support this, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) launched a mass registration campaign nationwide, followed by smaller drives to capture more people. The requirement for SIM card registration further boosted this effort, making telecom companies major users of the National ID database.
But a new study, “Understanding the Benefits, Costs, and Challenges of the National Identification System in Uganda,” published in Digital Society, reveals a more nuanced picture, stressing both the successes and the persistent challenges in ensuring that the National ID truly benefits all Ugandans.
The research, led by Roy William Mayega from Makerere University School of Public Health’s Resilient Africa Network (MakSPH-RAN), surveyed nearly 3,000 Ugandans and analyzed government data to assess the system’s impact. Other researchers were Dr. Dorothy Okello, Christine Muhumuza, Nathan Tumuhamye, Julius Ssentongo, Dr. Allen Kabagenyi Mulerwa, Brandon Kwesiga, Dr. Agnes Nyabigambo, Anthony Ssebagereka, and Professor William Bazeyo.
The findings confirm that the National ID has been a worthwhile investment for the government. The study estimates that for every US$1 invested in the NID system, the return on investment is US$1.35. These savings stem from reduced fraud in social programs and more efficient management of public funds.
But beyond the numbers, the research also illuminates the human experiences behind the National ID. For many, like Nakazibwe, the ID has unlocked opportunities previously out of reach. It has become a key to accessing mobile money services, opening bank accounts, and participating more fully in the formal economy.
However, the research also shows that not everyone is benefiting equally. The study found that while 94% of Ugandans sought to register for an NID, nearly one in five still don’t have one. And those who are most likely to be left behind are often the most vulnerable.
“We found that reasons for not having a National ID were more prevalent in the lowest wealth quintile,” explains Mayega. “This suggests that the poorest Ugandans face greater hurdles in accessing the system, whether it’s due to challenges in navigating the registration process or the cost of transportation. Illiteracy was also a key contributor.”
The most common reasons for not having a National ID included incomplete registration (33.7%), not registering (21.2%), lost IDs (19.9%), failure to collect IDs (9.4%), and slow processing (7.7%). Women were more likely to mention long queues and registration costs, while men cited ID loss and non-citizenship. Urban residents more often pointed to lost IDs and slow processes, while rural participants highlighted limited registration time.
The study also uncovered concerns about data privacy and the potential for misuse of personal information. Many Ugandans express concerns about the potential use of their National IDs for surveillance or fraudulent activities. These anxieties point to the need for greater transparency and robust data protection measures.
From the study, the common National ID errors included misspelled names (45.0%), incorrect or missing dates of birth (16.6%), unclear fingerprints (8.9%), and improper signatures (3.6%). Of the 169 participants with errors, only 28.5% attempted corrections, and just a third succeeded, often after waiting an average of six months. Most (77.1%) described the correction process as difficult, with transport costs from 0 to 400,000 shillings and other related expenses around 525,000 shillings (US\$ 145.8).
To ensure that the National ID lives up to its full potential, the researchers recommend a series of concrete steps: launching targeted registration drives to reach those who have been left behind, simplifying the registration process, strengthening data protection measures, and expanding the use of National IDs in government programs.
“It’s crucial that the government addresses these concerns and builds trust in the system,” says the Executive Director of the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), Gilbert Sendugwa.
In Uganda, a National ID is more than just identification—it’s a key to accessing rights and services, Sendugwa explains.
“However, the issue of data security persists. For example, a woman in Ntungamo District faced legal trouble after her stolen ID was misused to secure a Parish Development Model loan before tighter controls were in place. The government must do more to teach people to protect their IDs and reassure them that their data is used to empower, not control, them,” he says.
Of the participants with National IDs, 7.7% (186 people) reported they had lost them, with higher rates among women (9.1%), urban residents (9.7%), and those in the lowest wealth quintile (9.3%). However, only 28.5% of those who lost their IDs attempted to replace (8.6%) or recover (19.9%) them, with mixed success. While 75% of those seeking replacements succeeded, only 45.4% of those trying to recover lost IDs managed to do so. About half of those attempting replacements described the process as difficult, with some waiting over three months.
Millions of Ugandans risk being excluded from essential services without national digital IDs, according to the Collaboration on International ICT for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA). Vulnerable groups like older persons in poverty and those with disabilities, who often struggle to reach NIRA offices for enrollment, face the greatest challenges. Without IDs, they are unable to access senior citizens’ grants, healthcare, land titles, social security benefits, driving permits, SIM card registration, bank accounts, passports, and voter registration.
“Uganda’s digital ID system needs to ensure the necessary safeguards for both data protection and access to essential services; otherwise, it risks not only entrenching exclusion and inequality but also increasing concerns about personal data privacy and protections. Gaps in solid data protection can result in discrimination, profiling, surveillance of data subjects, and identity theft,” says Juliet Nanfuka, a digital rights advocate and communications officer at CIPESA.
Uganda’s experience with the National ID system provides helpful lessons for other African countries aiming to leverage the power of digital identification. As NIRA prepares for a nationwide mass ID renewal and registration campaign on May 27, 2025, the redesigned IDs are expected to feature enhanced security technologies like Multiple Laser Images (MLI), Machine-Readable Zones (MRZ), QR codes, and 2D barcodes. These upgrades are intended to improve identity verification and expand access to digital services.
Researchers argue that by addressing citizen concerns, ensuring equitable access, and genuinely listening to the voices of its people, Uganda can transform the National ID from a mere card into a critical lifeline for all.
Davidson Ndyabahika is a Health and Science Communication Specialist, School of Public Health, Makerere University
Agriculture & Environment
Makerere Hosts Inaugural Falling Walls Lab Competition as Innovators Pitch Solutions to National Challenges
Students and researchers from Makerere University and other institutions pitched 12 innovations addressing challenges in healthcare, clean energy, agriculture, waste management and community resilience during the inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala, held at the School of Public Health Auditorium, Makerere University.
The competition brought together emerging innovators to present solutions to practical challenges through a three minute pitch, followed by questions from a panel of judges.
Modelled on the Falling Walls format that originated in Berlin, the event required each participant to identify a “wall” a problem or barrier, and demonstrate how their innovation seeks to break it down.
Mudhasi wins with newborn jaundice screening device
Andrew Mudhasi of Makerere University emerged as the overall winner with a score of 90 per cent for a low cost medical device designed to improve newborn jaundice screening across different skin tones.
Mudhasi explained that the device uses optical sensor technology and a skin tone targeting algorithm to provide a rapid reading, with the aim of helping nurses and clinicians identify jaundice more efficiently.
During questions from the jury, Mudhasi said the device had not yet been tested on actual babies but had undergone laboratory testing using simulated skin tones.
He reported an accuracy rate of 94 per cent when the device was compared with laboratory spectrophotometers.
The innovation is intended initially for use in clinics and hospitals, with Mudhasi saying the team is also considering a version that could eventually allow mothers to screen babies at home.
Mudhasi’s innovation has previously received recognition at the African Business Concept Challenge and the iF Design Student Award, according to his presentation.
Rhonda’s innovation tackles diaper waste
Rhoda John of the University of Nairobi emerged in second place with 89.6 per cent for an innovation addressing the problem of used diaper waste.
Under the theme “Breaking the wall of diaper waste and drug soils,” Rhonda explained that her team extracts sodium polyacrylate, the absorbent polymer found in diapers, and replaces the sodium with potassium.
The resulting potassium based superabsorbent material is designed to act as a “water battery” in soil by absorbing and retaining water for plants during dry periods.
John said testing showed a 99 per cent increase in germination and a 23 per cent increase in drought resistance.
The innovation also seeks to reduce the amount of used diapers ending up in landfills and the environmental effects associated with their decomposition.
During the question and answer session, John explained that her team was working with government environmental officials in Nairobi on a pilot collection system to address the challenge of gathering used diapers at scale.
Mahera takes third place with herbal peptic ulcer treatment
Stuart Mahera of Makerere University finished third with 86.2 per cent for a herbal formulation targeting peptic ulcers.
Presenting under the theme “Breaking the wall of Nature and Modern Medicine,” Mahera argued that conventional treatment for peptic ulcers can involve multiple medicines and may be associated with side effects and antimicrobial resistance.
His proposed formulation, MARAC capsules, is intended as a monotherapy, combining properties required for peptic-ulcer treatment in a single capsule.
Mahera said his team had carried out quality control work, including characterisation and dose quantification, and had conducted preclinical trials on laboratory mice.
He also told the jury that an application had been submitted to the National Drug Authority as the team awaits the next stage of the regulatory process.
According to Mahera, the proposed seven day treatment would cost about Shs21,000, compared with the existing 14 day treatment approach.
Innovators present solutions to practical challenges
The remaining presentations covered a wide range of challenges.
Esther Nakungu of Utamu University presented Agri-Track, a digital record keeping solution intended to improve visibility, accountability and management of farm operations and financial information.
Dr. Jimmy Chachiga, a Makerere University participant, presented a solar photovoltaic cooker with a heat storage system designed to provide a cleaner and more reliable cooking option during both sunny and non sunny periods.
His presentation focused on reducing dependence on biomass fuels and addressing the challenges associated with intermittent solar energy.
Abdul Noor Luttamaguzi, a PhD student and senior government fisheries officer, presented a mobile application aimed at helping fish farmers and extension officers report, track and manage disease outbreaks.
Henry Duke Tamale presented a herbal cream targeting antibiotic resistant biofilm infections associated with diabetic foot ulcers.
Marvin Seruwu proposed adapting existing near infrared brain monitoring technology to help detect extra-axial brain bleeds in health facilities where access to CT and MRI equipment is limited.
His proposal seeks to repurpose existing technology towards a diagnostic need that could be particularly important in settings where advanced imaging facilities are not readily available.
Kennedy Kisame presented a poultry alert and diagnosis system combining satellite weather information with computer vision disease detection. The proposed system could be accessed through a smartphone application, SMS or USSD, making it potentially usable by farmers with limited internet access.
Frank Atwiine proposed a solar powered mobile diagnostic van designed to bring ultrasound and other diagnostic services closer to rural communities.
Johnson Makmot, a software and blockchain developer, presented a platform that combines GPS tracking and blockchain-based tokens to incentivise and verify plastic-waste collection in Kampala.
Dr. Nelson Ndugu, from a partner university, presented an artificial intelligence tool designed to translate agricultural research publications into local Ugandan languages and generate voice notes for radio-based extension delivery.
The final presentation came from Dr. Juliet Akola, a Ugandan post doctoral researcher at Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa.
Akola presented a community digital resilience initiative focused on mapping risks in Kampala’s informal settlements, including flooding, fire, poor sanitation, waste management and inadequate infrastructure.
Her proposal seeks to combine local community knowledge with geographical information systems and link identified risks to action plans involving municipalities and other stakeholders.
Nawangwe calls for more investment in innovation
Closing the event, Prof. Nawangwe congratulated all the participants and described their presentations as an important beginning for Makerere University, Uganda and the wider region.
Drawing on his experience attending the Falling Walls conference in Berlin, the Vice Chancellor said initiatives of this nature are important because innovation will play a major role in determining the future of countries.
He encouraged participants to make their pitches more precise by clearly identifying the problem they are addressing, explaining their proposed solution and demonstrating what they have already achieved.
Prof. Nawangwe also welcomed the participation of innovators from other universities and countries, noting that the Kampala event had attracted participants beyond Makerere.
He thanked the Africa Office of the Falling Walls Foundation for its role in bringing the initiative to Makerere and encouraged continued support for innovation.
The Vice Chancellor further linked innovation to Uganda’s growing youth population and the need to develop home-grown solutions to address challenges such as youth unemployment.
The inaugural Falling Walls Lab Kampala ultimately provided a platform for innovators to move ideas beyond the classroom and laboratory and demonstrate how research, technology and creativity can be applied to challenges affecting communities.
| Position | Winner | Institution | Score |
| 1st | Andrew Mudhasi | Makerere University | 90% |
| 2nd | Rhoda John | University of Nairobi | 89.6% |
| 3rd | Stuart Mahera | Makerere University | 86.2% |
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