editor
Ugandans will now be required to possess a National Identification Number (NIN) to legally marry, following a directive from the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB).
This applies to all marriage types in Uganda, including civil, customary, and religious unions.
The decision to mandate a national ID for marriage registration is part of the government’s broader strategy to streamline civil registration processes and ensure accurate records. Parliament recently passed the Uganda Registration Services Bureau Amendment Act 2024, transferring certain civil registration powers, including marriage registrations, to the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).
With this change, individuals without a national ID will be unable to register their marriages officially, impacting not only civil unions but also church and customary ceremonies. The move is seen as part of the country’s effort to centralize administrative functions, reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and prevent fraud in civil registrations.
Justice Minister Norbert Mao highlighted that this transition will enhance the efficiency of civil services and bring all registration responsibilities under one agency. Despite concerns about NIRA’s capacity to handle the new responsibilities, the changes are expected to be implemented in phases to ensure a smooth transition.
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These amendments also empower NIRA to manage various other registration functions, including licensing churches for marriage celebrations and maintaining updated registers. The requirement for a national ID has raised concerns among citizens, especially in rural areas where access to identification services may be limited.
This development marks a new era for marriage registration in Uganda, emphasizing the importance of a unified identification system for legal processes across the country
