The government of Uganda plans to harvest DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid properties) of citizens and issue to holders new, or replacement, National Identity (ID) cards containing such genetic information. The documents already display the face and store fingerprint biometrics of the owner.
Gen David Muhoozi, the state minister for Internal Affairs, told a parliamentary plenary that the government will issue “smart digital” IDs going forward once the current versions expire. Some Members of Parliament were unimpressed by the government's decision to conduct DNA profiling on each citizen who is applying for the National ID, saying it offended the citizens’ right to privacy. DNA profiling is done on criminals. So why do they want to keep DNA data of the entire population which is against our right to privacy. Minister Muhoozi allayed MPs’ fears saying biometric system will be sufficiently done in line with the international system to the extent that it does not infringe on the right to privacy.
In addition to information on Ugandan’s DNA profiles, the updated ID cards will feature biometric data and fingerprints, as well as information gathered from the eyes of Ugandan citizens using scan technology. All this, the government said, will help speed up the identity verification process at government offices and administrative centers, as well as assist law enforcement in their investigations. The cards are also digitized, giving the government instant access to citizens’ information via a massive national catalog.
At current count, a whopping 4.5 million Ugandans have been reportedly unable to obtain the national ID cards rolled out in 2014, despite the program now being 8 years old. Human rights advocates say the situation has turned dire, with Ugandan citizens being denied the most vital of services. In a multitude of cases, pregnant women have been turned away from hospitals at the time of childbirth, in absence of a national ID card.
However, the cost of the DNA national ID may have to come out of the Ugandan governments’ coffers exclusively, as Muhoozi said the program would not be offered for free and was potentially a revenue generator. The existing document is paid for with taxes. The idea drew criticism from Parliament Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who said Ugandans should not have to pay for the national ID directly because acquiring the national IDs has already been a challenge for Ugandans therefore having to pay will hit poorer citizens hardest and generate resistance.