Why does the government demand Ugandans’ DNA before issuing national identification cards

The government said last week that it intends to collect Ugandans’ Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) before issuing new National Identification (ID) cards. (Why does the government demand Ugandans’ DNA before issuing national identification cards)

Even though the details of how the plan will work are still being worked out, State Minister for Internal Affairs Gen David Muhoozi informed the parliamentary plenary last Thursday that after the present versions expire, the government will issue “smart digital” IDs.

According to the minister, the purpose of automating an individual’s information on an ID was to advance technology and speed up verification of a person’s details whenever necessary.

“The exercise is expected to result in the replacement of expiring National ID cards, their upgrade to a smart card electronic ID and the creation of a personal digital identity, an upgrade of the verification system, and the integration of Iris recognition biometric technology and DNA into the NIRA system,” the minister said.

“NIRA intends to take use of technological advances that will boost portability and verification to support worldwide transactions,” Muhoozi said.

He also stated that the initiative will increase the register’s accuracy and credibility for planning and service delivery purposes.

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), according to Muhoozi, will begin mass enrollment for National IDs in January 2023, with renewals beginning in August 2023 and lasting until August 2025, with 17.2 million citizens who have never been registered and 20 million Ugandans who wish to renew their National IDs.

The government began distributing National IDs in 2014 through NIRA, and the first batch will expire in 2024 because each one is only valid for ten years, similar to a passport.

“Rotational renewal will take place at each parish, with NIRA deploying 10 registration kits per parish every day. Beginning in August 2023, the exercise will last for 12 months. “These services will be operationalized and offered at the district level after this period,” Muhoozi stated. (Why does the government demand Ugandans’ DNA before issuing national identification cards – celerity jazz ug )