Over 4.4 million citizens enrolled in digital ID system

By The Inspirer.

More than 4.4 million people have been registered under the ongoing rollout of the electronic national identity system (e-ID), the National Identification Agency (NIDA) has announced.

The nationwide exercise involves capturing citizens’ biometric data and photographs to support the issuance of digital identity cards intended to replace the current physical ID system.

According to NIDA, the rollout began in the Southern Province on October 28, 2025, before expanding to Kigali City and several districts, including Kamonyi, Muhanga, Ruhango, Nyanza, Huye and Gisagara.

In the Eastern Province, registration has been completed in Bugesera, Ngoma and Kirehe, while the process is ongoing in Kayonza, Rwamagana and Gatsibo.

NIDA Director General Josephine Mukesha said the programme is progressing steadily and remains on track to meet national targets.

“So far, we have captured more than 4.4 million people nationwide,” she said.

Mukesha urged citizens to adhere to scheduled appointments to ensure the process runs efficiently, while assuring that no eligible person would be left behind.

“Once nationwide data capture is completed, we will deploy equipment at sector level so that those who missed appointments or need corrections or updates can still be assisted,” she added.

She also dismissed misinformation circulating in some circles linking the e-ID system to religious interpretations, including references to the number 666, describing such claims as unfounded.

The rollout is expected to continue across the remaining districts, with Nyagatare set to be the final district in the Eastern Province before the programme expands to the Western and Northern provinces.

Citizens can pre-register and verify their details through the Irembo platform or at designated registration centres. Applicants are required to provide identity details, including those of parents or spouses where applicable.

The government plans to phase out the current physical ID system by June 2027, after which the e-ID will become the primary form of identification for accessing services such as banking, healthcare and telecommunications.