Unwanted Witness Submits Petition to Uganda Human Rights Commission Regarding National ID System

Kampala, Uganda – July 30, 2024 – Unwanted Witness, a leading civil society organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of digital rights, has submitted a petition to the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), urging immediate investigation and remedial actions concerning the National ID System and associated human rights violations.

The petition, highlights significant issues with the National Security Identification System (NSIS) and the emerging New Generation National ID Project. Key concerns include financial burdens on citizens, exclusion and marginalization of vulnerable groups, and serious privacy and data security risks.

Hon. (Col. Rtd.) Steven Mwesige Basaliza, on behalf of Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, stated, “We are committed to ensuring that the rights and dignity of all Ugandans are upheld. The concerns raised by Unwanted Witness are serious and warrant thorough investigation. We will carefully review this petition and take appropriate actions to address the highlighted issues.”

Sempala Allan Kigozi, Head of Legal at Unwanted Witness, who read the petition, emphasized, “The current National ID system imposes unjust financial burdens on ordinary Ugandans, particularly marginalized and economically disadvantaged groups. The lack of transparency and accountability in personal data handling poses significant threats to privacy rights. Immediate remedial actions are essential to protect the fundamental rights of all Ugandans.”

The petition emphasizes the following key points:

  1. The high cost of replacing a national ID card imposes a significant financial burden on ordinary Ugandans. The fees, which can reach up to UGX 200,000 (USD 52.90) for rectifying errors not caused by NIRA, are particularly severe compared to replacement fees in other African nations. This burden disproportionately affects marginalized and economically disadvantaged groups, including the youth and older persons reliant on social assistance programs like SAGE.
  2. Financial barriers associated with ID replacement impede fundamental human rights, such as access to education, employment, and social services. Without a national ID, many Ugandans, especially the youth and older persons, face obstacles that limit their opportunities and rights.
  3. The absence of a privacy policy at NIRA undermines transparency and accountability in personal data handling, directly contradicting Section 3 of the Data Protection and Privacy Act 2019. Additionally, NIRA’s failure to conduct a proper Data Protection Impact Assessment, as required by Regulation 12 of the Data Protection and Privacy Regulations 2021, poses a significant threat to citizens’ right to privacy. NIRA’s registration with the Personal Data Protection Office expired on June 14, 2024, raising serious questions about compliance with data protection standards.

The petition calls for the Uganda Human Rights Commission to:

  • Undertake a comprehensive investigation into the concerns raised regarding the National ID system.
  • Mandate NIRA to conduct a thorough Data Protection Impact Assessment.
  • Ensure NIRA promptly renews its registration with the Personal Data Protection Office and develops a transparent privacy policy.
  • Advocate for the reduction or elimination of ID replacement fees, following the recent waiver of renewal fees by the Minister of Internal Affairs and aligning with regional standards, such as the free replacement policy in South Africa.
  • Demand transparent, inclusive, and accountable processes in the rollout of the New Generation National ID Project.
  • Establish a monitoring mechanism to ensure effective implementation of these recommendations and provide regular public reports on progress.

Hon. (Col. Rtd.) Steven Mwesige Basaliza added, “The Uganda Human Rights Commission is dedicated to safeguarding the human rights of all citizens. We will take all necessary measures to ensure that the National ID system operates in full compliance with our legal and human rights obligations.”

Unwanted Witness eagerly anticipates the Commission’s response and stands ready to provide additional information or engage in further discussions as needed.

For further information, please contact:

THE UNWANTED WITNESS – Uganda |

P. O. Box 71314 Clock Tower K’la Uganda | Plot 26, Ssentema Road | 

Website: www.unwantedwitness.or.ug

Email: info@unwantedwitness.or.ug | Twitter: @unwantedwitness |

Skype:  unwantedwitness | Face book: unwanted witness Uganda 

Blog: http://unwantedwitnessuganda.wordpress.com/  

//]]>