Joseph Isangura
In Temeke, Tanzania, a landmark initiative was unveiled during International Identity Day, when national identity cards designed for persons with disabilities were officially distributed.
The rollout carried the slogan “My Identity, My Umbrella”, reflecting how legal identification provides protection, access, and equal opportunities.
Edson Guyai, the Director of ID Production, explained that the program represents more than administrative progress—it is about dignity and inclusion. “Every citizen deserves recognition and equal rights. These IDs open doors to essential services like education, health care, financial access, and employment,” he said.
For many years, people with disabilities have faced barriers that go beyond physical limitations. Exclusion from official systems has made it difficult to access health facilities, open bank accounts, or secure jobs. By introducing these special IDs, the government is addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring that every citizen can enjoy equal rights under the law.
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This move is part of a broader strategy to promote inclusivity. Recent national reforms—including the National Assistive Technology Strategy and the Action Plan for Persons with Albinism—signal an effort to ensure that no one is left behind in Tanzania’s development journey.
Beneficiaries of the initiative described the change as life-altering. One recipient said: “Now I feel recognized. With this ID, I can finally access medical services without being turned away.” Another called it “a symbol of belonging.”
The National Identification Authority has also announced measures to make registration more accessible, including the use of mobile units and partnerships with local community leaders. Officials further urged citizens to collect unclaimed IDs, noting that identity cards remain crucial for accessing both public and private services.
Ultimately, the slogan “My Identity, My Umbrella” captures the spirit of the program: legal identity as a shield of protection and empowerment for all Tanzanians, including those who have long been marginalized.
