Rwanda Steps Up Personal Data Verification for Smart National IDs as Citizens Call for Error Corrections

Rwanda is advancing toward a new era of digital identification with the introduction of Smart National ID cards, and a nationwide data verification campaign is currently in progress. The government says the new IDs will enhance security, service delivery, and integration with digital systems, including online public services and financial platforms.

The verification exercise, which involves confirming personal information and updating biometric data such as photographs, is taking place in all districts. Residents are encouraged to visit designated service points to ensure their personal details are correctly recorded before the new Smart IDs are issued.

Citizens Raise Concerns Over Existing Errors

During the campaign activities observed in Huye District, many residents expressed readiness to embrace the new technology. However, some voiced frustration over persistent errors in their existing national ID cards, including incorrect ages and birthdates. They believe such mistakes should be resolved first to avoid transferring wrong information into the new system.  “We are happy to have modern IDs, but some of us still carry documents that do not reflect our true information,” Nshimiyimana Vedaste said. “We hope these issues will be fixed before the new IDs are printed.”

These concerns reflect a broader sentiment shared by individuals whose records were inaccurately captured years ago, especially during initial registration periods.

Government Clarifies Its Position

Responding to these concerns, the Ministry of Local Government insists that the current exercise is not intended for adjusting civil status information. Instead, it strictly focuses on verification of what already exists in the National Identification Registry.

Dominique Habimana, Minister of Local Government, explained that any corrections to names, birthdates, or other important civil details require separate legal procedures. “This is a verification and biometric update exercise. Changing identity details involves a different process that is governed by law,” Minister Habimana noted. “Citizens with such concerns should follow the established procedures to make corrections, but they must still participate in the verification drive.”

Legal Steps Required for Corrections

Under current regulations, individuals seeking to amend their identity information must present supporting documentation including:

A certified and notarized birth certificate issued within 15 days of birth
A notarized copy of an expired national ID form
Or a travel document such as a passport or laissez-passer issued in Rwanda before the national registration of 2007

These requirements are in place to safeguard identity integrity and prevent fraudulent alterations, according to officials.

Transition Into a Fully Digital ID System

Authorities emphasize that the Smart National ID project is a major milestone in Rwanda’s digital transformation agenda. The upgraded cards will feature enhanced security elements and smart-chip technology, making identity verification faster and more reliable across various sectors.

The National Identification Agency (NIDA) has also assured the public that any necessary corrections can continue to be handled through Irembo, the government’s official online services platform.

Citizens are therefore encouraged to complete the verification process as scheduled to facilitate a smooth transition into the smart ID era.

A Call for Full Participation

As Rwanda moves toward a more integrated and technology-driven identification framework, the success of the program will depend heavily on the active involvement of all eligible citizens. “Everyone must ensure their details are accurate and complete so that no one is left behind in this important national shift,” a local leader in Huye emphasized.

The verification campaign is expected to continue progressively across the country, raising hopes that soon all Rwandans will carry a secure, modern, and digitally-enabled identity card fit for the future.