How to register death in Uganda

Registering a death can be a difficult task, especially when dealing with the emotional weight of losing a loved one. In this article, we provide you with comprehensive guidance on how to register a death in Uganda. We shall provide details on: 

Importance of a death certificate 

Requirements for a death certificate

Handling death at health facilities 

Handling death at home 

Whether you are a next of kin, a relative, or someone responsible for declaring the death, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and procedures to successfully navigate the death registration process in Uganda.

What is death registration?

Death Registration is a process of recording the death of a loved one with National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) by a next of kin or relative who was present at the time of death. When a death is registered, NIRA issues a death certificate. It is a legal requirement to register death as soon as it occurs or not later than 3 months after the death has occurred. 

NO PAYMENT. The process is free for refugees on presentation of proof of Refugee status.

What is a death certificate? 

A Death certificate is the official document issued by NIRA, which declares cause, location and time of death, and some other personal information about your deceased loved one.  

Why is a death certificate necessary?

A death certificate is important for many reasons. 

• It protects the family from people who might want to rob the family of their inheritance. 
• A death certificate makes it easier to process things like access to the deceased’s pension and life insurance.
•  It also helps the government prevent corruption arising from paying people who might be deceased.

These are the requirements for getting a death certificate.

• A Death Notification Record, completed and signed by the notifier. A notifier can be the next of kin/ relative or a person who was present at the time of death. 
• Copy of national ID of the notifier. 
• National Identification Number (NIN)/Individual Number of the deceased. 
• Minutes of a family meeting witnessed by the Local Council (LC) chairperson giving responsibility to the person declaring the death.

NO PAYMENT. The process is free for refugees on presentation of proof of Refugee status.

What is a Death Notification Record? 

A Death Notification Record is a formal record that a death has occurred. This record is compulsory and free of charge. It is obtained from a health facility by the next of Kin/relative or a person present at the time of Death. 

A Death Notification Record is different from a death certificate.

A Death Notification Record is stamped and signed by the hospital administrator or superintendent. It contains the following information. 

• Name of the deceased 
• Date and place of birth
• Date and place of death
• Sex
• Cause of death (Obtained from the Certificate of cause of Death)
• National Identification Number (NIN) or Individual Number where applicable
• Nationality 

Sample of Death Notification Form 

NO PAYMENT. The process is free for refugees on presentation of proof of Refugee status.

When the death occurs in a medical facility

• Obtain a death notification record by presenting a certificate of cause of death from the medical officer who conducts the autopsy.
• The administrator of the medical facility records the death, notifies the registration officer who then issues a Death Notification Record. 
• As soon as possible, the next of kin should visit the nearest NIRA office with all the requirements.
• Upon submission of all the required documents, the next of kin is issued with a death certificate.

When the death occurs at home

• A Local leader for instance, a Village Health Team (VHT) Member shall provide written information on the cause of death to the best of their knowledge. This shall be used to fill out the certificate of cause of death.
• The certificate of cause of death is presented to the registration officer, who then issues a Death Notification Record.
• Register the death with NIRA with the requirements (A signed Death Notification record, a copy of national ID of the Notifier, Individual Number of the deceased and minutes of a family meeting witnessed by the Local Council (LC) chairperson giving responsibility to the person declaring the death).
• Upon submission of all the required documents, the next of kin is issued with a death certificate.

When someone is presumed dead

A person is presumed dead if there is proof that no one has seen or heard from the person in seven years. When this happens;

• The next of kin or relative may apply for an order of a presumption of death in the nearest court as directed by NIRA. 
• Once the order of presumption of death is issued, it can be used instead of the certificate of death according to the constitution of Uganda.

Incase of a violent death occurs

When someone dies as a result of the intentional use of force or power, threatened or actual, it is defined as violent death. To get a death certificate when violent death occurs;

• The Officer in charge of the Police station should notify the Registration Officer (NIRA) and attach a police report. 
• A copy of the report is submitted to the next of kin/ applicant. 
• When the NIRA Registration Officer receives the police report about the death and notice of death from the Police, he/she verifies the information and makes an entry into the death register supported by the following documents: 
  • Certification of violent Death 
  • Filled NIRA form 12 (available for download from the NIRA website) with the following attachments: 
  • Original police report.
  • National ID of the Officer in charge at the Police 
  • ID of the deceased 
  • A copy of Identification Card of the person declaring the death 

Death Certificate Issued By NIRA

NB: Please note that Local Governments do not register or notify death, it is the role of NIRA.

For any information on death registration, contact NIRA on [phone]

If you are living in Kyaka II, the NIRA offices are in Kyegegwa town at Kyegegwa District Offices.

If you have any questions about living in Uganda as a refugee, please contact Tubulire  on Facebook via  https://www.facebook.com/Tubulire.Info or send us a message on WhatsApp [phone]  from Monday to Friday from 08:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.