Mbale, Uganda — The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports Uganda, is thrilled to announce the grand finale of the National Primary Schools’ Music, Dance, and Drama (MDD) Festival 2024.

This significant event, which started on August 25th going upto September 2nd, 2024, at Mbale Secondary School, Mbale City, brings together the best of young talent from across the nation.

Under the compelling theme “My NIN, My Birth Right,” the festival highlights the critical importance of the National Identification Number (NIN) registration for every child. For the past four months, primary schools from diverse regions have engaged in a spirited competition, creatively exploring the benefits, requirements, and procedures of NIN registration through the captivating art forms of music, dance, poetry, and drama.

Speaking to this news site, Peter Okwalinga from NIRA said the National Identification Number, or NIN, is a unique identifier issued once to every Ugandan citizen on the National Identification Register.

“This year’s festival, through the enchantment of songs, poems, drama, creative dances, and traditional folk tunes, allows young performers to vividly define what a NIN is and convey its significance in a compelling manner. The performances delve into how NIN registration is a fundamental right and a crucial step in securing the future of every Ugandan child,” Okwalinga said.

According to Okwalinga, Key points highlighted during the performances include the necessity of a NIN for obtaining a birth certificate, which is essential for a child to access their full rights and legal identity.

He added that the NIN is also a prerequisite for registering for the Primary Leaving Examination and accessing other government services, such as obtaining passports and driving permits. Furthermore, in cases of child trafficking or kidnapping, a NIN and birth certificate play a critical role in verifying a child’s age in legal proceedings.

The festival serves not only as a platform for artistic expression but also as an educational tool for parents and guardians. The performances emphasize the importance of parents having their own NINs or National Identification Cards, securing a Birth Notification Record from the health facility where the child was born, and promptly registering the child with NIRA to obtain a NIN.

NIRA says the registration process is free and should be completed as soon as possible after childbirth.

In alignment with the upcoming National ID mass registration exercise scheduled for October 2023, the festival has provided an additional opportunity for NIRA to offer outreach services.

NIRA registration teams have set up at the festival venue to facilitate on-site NIN registration and the issuance of NINs and birth certificates.

Parents are encouraged to bring their children along with a copy of the parent’s national ID to streamline the registration process.

Meanwhile, the journey to the national finals has been remarkable, with schools participating in various phases, including intra-school, zonal, district, and regional competitions. The best schools from each region have now gathered in Mbale, all vying for the prestigious title of 2024 Champions of the National Primary Schools’ MDD Festival.

This year’s festival is more than just a celebration of artistic talent; it is a powerful reminder of the role that NIN registration plays in securing the future of Uganda’s children.

Through the theme “My NIN, My Birth Right,” the festival underscores the vital collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Sports and NIRA in driving positive change and ensuring that every child’s future is secure.