Assembly hails Uganda for introducing third-generation ID Cards for its Citizens
EALA has this afternoon passed a Resolution congratulating Republic of Uganda upon introducing national identity cards (third-generation) for its citizens and encouraged other EAC Partner States, which are still in the process of doing so, to finalise.
The Resolution moved by Hon. Susan Nakawuki hails Uganda saying the country has come a long way in the process of issuing national identification documents to its nationals in compliance with Article 8 of the Common Market Protocol.
“The ID card is to facilitate delivery of national development based on reliable and verifiable data, enable Governments plan properly and provide easy access to social facilities and services like the Health systems.
It also facilitates school capitation grants based on verifiable identities and data at local level, facilitates transparent and trustworthy business transactions, reduces level of crime in Community and improves security”, a section of the Resolution reads.
The Resolution further congratulates the Republic of Rwanda which had introduced machine-readable ID cards way before the entry of the Common Market Protocol and the United Republic of Tanzania which has also commenced on the exercise of issuing the same.
All EAC Partner States have embarked on the process of issuing 3rd-Generation identity cards including the Republic of Kenya which pioneered national ID systems and is now embarking on the upgrade from 2nd-Generation to 3rd-Generation IDs.
Identity cards also enable citizens to facilitate regional integration and travel. During debate, Hon. Hafsa Mossi called for accuracy in data management. “We can achieve this aim when coming up with the third-generation cards”, she said. Hon. Abdullah Mwinyi said getting right data was fundamental to improve the livelihoods of East Africans. Governments must know their people so they can systematically bring their people out of poverty.
“It is not just simply measuring, but reliable data can catalyse change”, Hon. Mwinyi said.
Hon. Valerie Nyirahabineza said while oversighting the Common Market Protocol, she observed the slow pace of implementation. “This Resolution is important as it calls on all Partner States to move with the Protocol. We urge the Council of Ministers to urge Partner States to fervently implement the provisions of the Protocol”, Hon. Nyirahabineza said.
Hon. Dora Byamukama lauded the Partner States that have Identity cards and said a time should come when there is free movement of persons in totality.