Kampala — UGANDANS will soon be required to get national identification cards, the national chairman of the citizenship and immigration control board has said.

Jotham Tumwesigye said the cards would help control illegal immigration and the issuing of Ugandan passports to non-Ugandans.

Speaking at the opening of the reconstruction of Afoji border post in Moyo district recently, Tumwesigye said many non-Ugandans had got Ugandan passports through the recommendation of local council leaders.

He said the cards would improve security and enable the Government to plan for its citizens.

"We are living in a time where terrorism is a great threat to our country. The national identification cards will help differentiate between foreigners and our citizens," he said.

Tumwesigye added that every citizen would be required to present his or her identification card before accessing government services like hospitals.

Tumwesigye, who is a former Inspectorate General of Government, said all Ugandans from 16 years would be given the identity cards. He said refugees would not get the cards.

Tumwesigye also said the Afoji border post would boost economic growth and create a good relationship with Sudan.

Moyo LC5 boss Peter Iku Dolo said the post would bring about development because it connects the people to Juba (capital of Southern Sudan) where trade is booming.

Samuel Sabiiti, the Ministry of Internal Affairs' principle assistant secretary, said the reconstruction would cost sh100m.

He added that it is expected to be completed within six months from November 1, 2008.