Uganda has stepped up its campaign to formalise the status of its citizens living, studying, and working in Kenya. This initiative is driven by a joint outreach involving the Uganda High Commission in Nairobi, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Uganda, and the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA). The concerted push coincides with heightened regulatory scrutiny and a 90-day compliance window introduced by Kenyan authorities for foreign nationals operating within its borders.
Under the directive, Ugandan officials are strongly encouraging their diaspora community to transition out of informal systems by obtaining proper identification and legal documentation. NIRA acting registrar Claire Olama emphasized that possessing a Ugandan national identification number or ID card is a vital prerequisite for citizens wishing to access essential services, conduct financial transactions, or invest. Without these foundational documents, individuals face significant barriers when attempting to open bank accounts, secure social security services, or acquire valid work and residence permits in Kenya.
Although over 5,000 Ugandans have already utilized the identification services provided through the High Commission in Nairobi, authorities note that this figure remains low relative to the broader population residing in the country. To bridge this gap, NIRA brought its registry services directly to Nairobi, sparing citizens the cost and inconvenience of traveling back to Uganda just to secure their paperwork.
The formalization drive also addresses critical economic and social dimensions. NSSF Uganda Managing Director Patrick Ayota urged citizens not to shy away from regularizing their stay or business activities. Highlighting the importance of operational compliance, Ayota noted that acquiring proper licenses protects workers and entrepreneurs from operating underground, while simultaneously keeping them connected to Uganda’s financial and investment frameworks.
As part of these diaspora engagements, Acting Uganda High Commissioner to Kenya Eunice Kigenyi noted that targeted sessions have been organized separately for employed professionals and students. While workers are guided on regulatory compliance and investment products, students receive crucial career mentorship alongside financial literacy training focusing on long-term savings.
These recent developments unfold against a backdrop of deep economic integration and robust cross-border movement between Kenya and Uganda. By aligning citizens with both Kenyan legal requirements and Ugandan institutional support, the governments hope to secure the welfare of expatriates while ensuring smooth bilateral trade and labour mobility.
