REGISTRATION OF RESIDENT FOREIGNERS IN UGANDA

IMMIGRATION ALERT  |  UGANDA              

NIRA Commences Registration of Aliens Lawfully Resident in Uganda

Effective 10 June 2026

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has announced the commencement of the registration of aliens lawfully resident in Uganda, with effect from 10 June 2026. For the purposes of this notice, an "alien" means a person who is not a citizen of Uganda.

This exercise is being undertaken pursuant to the Registration of Persons Act, Cap. 332, which mandates the registration of non-citizens residing in Uganda and the issuance of Alien Identification Cards.

Who Is Required to Register?

The registration requirement applies to all foreign nationals lawfully resident in Uganda, including holders of:

•        Work Permits

•        Student or Pupil's Passes

•        Dependant's Passes

•        Certificates of Residence

•        Special Passes

•        Other valid immigration facilities

Note: The registration requirement does not apply to visitors staying in Uganda for a period not exceeding 90 days.

Registration Requirements

Affected individuals are required to appear in person at a designated registration centre and present the following:

•        A valid passport or equivalent travel document, together with a valid Uganda visa

•        A valid immigration facility

•        Proof of payment of the prescribed registration fee of

•        Proof of payment of the prescribed registration fee of USD 100

Upon successful registration, NIRA will allocate a Unique Identification Number (UIN) and issue an Alien Identification Card. The validity of the card will correspond to the validity of the holder's immigration status.

At the commencement of the exercise, registration may be undertaken at the following locations:

•        NIRA Office —  Plot 62, Lumumba Avenue

•        Ministry of Internal Affairs —  Work Permit Section

Guidance for Employers

Organisations employing foreign nationals should take the following immediate steps:

•        Review employee records to identify all expatriate staff who are lawfully resident in Uganda and potentially subject to the registration requirement

•        Ensure that all affected employees are aware of the registration requirement and the applicable timeline

•        Support affected staff in preparing the necessary documentation ahead of their registration appointments

Early compliance will help avoid potential disruptions to immigration and identification documentation.

How Probitas Consultancy Can Help

Our team is available to provide end-to-end support, including:

•        Assessing registration obligations

•        Reviewing immigration documentation

•        Supporting registration readiness and compliance

•        Providing guidance on related immigration matters.

Should you require further guidance or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at ruth@probitasconsultancy.legal.