KOLOLO, Uganda— Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has officially transferred the responsibility of marriage registration to the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) as part of the Government’s Rationalization of Public Expenditure (RAPEX) program,
The handover ceremony took place at the Uganda Business Facilitation Centre in Kololo on Thursday, attended by top officials from both institutions. Annie Katushabe represented the URSB Board Chairman, while NIRA’s Board Chairman, Joseph Biribonwa, also attended. Allen Kakama represented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service.
In a formal gesture, the Registrar General of URSB, Mercy K. Kainobwisho, handed over the function to Rosemary Kisembo, the Executive Director of NIRA. The event marked a symbolic and practical shift in how marriage registrations will now be handled in Uganda.
Addressing guests, Kainobwisho highlighted the significance of the handover. “This moment marks the conclusion of a significant chapter and the beginning of another,” she said.
She further explained the legal foundation for the transition. “The handover follows the amendment of the relevant laws, which now place the responsibility for marriage registration with the National Identification and Registration Authority,” she added.
Kainobwisho emphasized URSB’s approach to the transition. “As the institution previously mandated with this responsibility, the Uganda Registration Services Bureau has embraced this transition with professionalism, humility, and a deep sense of duty to the people of Uganda,” she noted.
URSB, she said, collaborated closely with all relevant stakeholders. “Our teams have worked hard to ensure the transfer of marriage registration function is handled professionally,” she remarked.
She also confirmed compliance with government protocols. “We have complied fully with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development regarding the transfer of the relevant budgets from our Vote to that of NIRA,” she said.
To facilitate a seamless transition, URSB provided logistical support to NIRA. “During the transition period, URSB has continued to share some facilities, including, internet, lunch, medical insurance scheme, and office space, among others, with our colleagues from the National Identification and Registration Authority,” she revealed.
She extended her appreciation to the Ministry of Public Service. “At the peak of events, a team from MOPS conducted a change management training for the then Civil Registration staff to allay their anxieties and prepare them for the transition. Your guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in ensuring a smooth and fair transition for everyone involved,” she noted.
As part of the RAPEX framework, a thorough review of assets was also conducted. “The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development conducted a thorough Board of Survey to verify all assets owned by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau that are being used by the marriage registration team,” she explained. “The report from that exercise formed the official basis for today’s handover, and we are grateful for that clarity and oversight,” she added.
Speaking at the handover, NIRA Executive Director Rosemary Kisembo said that NIRA is an organization that is growing. “To URSB, don’t be worried about the child you have handed over. They shall grow, they shall transform, and they can transcend,” she said.
This transition reflects the government’s broader efforts to streamline public services and improve efficiency under the RAPEX initiative.