Register on ESS Utumishi: 7 Easy Steps to Success

The ESS Utumishi Portal is Tanzania’s official Employee Self-Service platform, designed for government workers to access and manage their employment information online. Before you can log in and use its features, you must first create an account. This guide walks you through every step of the registration process—so you can get set up without confusion or delays.

Before starting, make sure you have:

  • Check Number – Your unique employee identifier issued by the government.
  • National Identification Number (NIDA) – For identity verification.
  • Active Email Address – This will be used for activation and future communication.

Ensure your details are already recorded correctly in the Human Capital Management Information System (HCMIS). If not, contact your personnel officer before attempting registration.

  • Open your internet browser on your computer or smartphone.
  • Go to ess.utumishi.go.tz.
  • On the homepage, locate the registration link that says: “Not Registered? Click here to register.”

Once you click the registration link, you’ll be directed to the sign-up page. Here’s what you’ll need to enter:

Check Number

Type it exactly as provided on your employment records.

National ID Number (NIDA)

Input your official NIDA number.

Email Address

Provide a valid and active email.

Confirm Email

Re-enter the same email to avoid typos.

  • Review all your details carefully for accuracy.
  • Click the “Sign Up” button to send your request.

After submission, you’ll receive an activation email from the ESS Utumishi system.

  • Open your email inbox (check spam/junk if not in your main folder).
  • Click the activation link provided in the message.
  • Follow the prompts to set your account password.

Your password should:

  • Be at least 8 characters long.
  • Include uppercase and lowercase letters.
  • Contain numbers and special characters.
  • Avoid obvious combinations like your name, date of birth, or “12345678.”

Once your account is active:

  • Return to ess.utumishi.go.tz.
  • Enter your Check Number and newly created password.
  • Login and complete any missing details in your profile.
  • Set your supervisor’s name (required for some modules) and save.
Register on ESS Utumishi: 7 Easy Steps to Success

1

Details Not Found:
If the system says your data doesn’t exist, contact your HR office to update HCMIS records.

2

No Activation Email:
Check spam/junk folders or ensure your email is entered correctly.

3

Technical Errors:
Try a different browser or clear your cache before retrying.

4

Account Already Exists:
You try to register but the system says “account already exists”.Try logging in directly.

Mistyped Email During Registration – Can It Be Fixed?

If you accidentally entered the wrong email during registration, the activation link will never reach you. The ESS system currently doesn’t allow direct email editing after submission. Instead:

  • Contact your Personnel Officer or the ICT Support Team at support@utumishi.go.tz.
  • Provide your Check Number, NIDA, and the correct email for verification.
  • Once verified, your record can be updated so you can re-register with the correct details.

How Long Does the Activation Email Take to Arrive?

In most cases, the activation email is sent instantly. However, during periods of high system usage—like payroll processing weeks—it may take up to 24 hours.

  • Always check spam/junk folders.
  • If nothing arrives after 24 hours, contact support to confirm if your email was entered correctly.

Will Multiple Failed Attempts Lock My Registration?

The ESS portal does not permanently lock accounts for failed registration attempts, but:

  • Too many rapid retries can trigger temporary rate-limiting (system delays or error messages).
  • Wait 10–15 minutes before trying again.
  • Double-check all details against your official employment records before resubmitting.

Can I Register Without Reliable Internet Access?

The ESS Utumishi Portal currently requires internet access for registration. There is no SMS/USSD registration method.
However, if you face connectivity issues:

  • Use mobile data if Wi-Fi is unreliable.
  • Visit an ICT support desk at your district office or ministry—most have internet-enabled terminals for employees.

What Happens If My NIDA Number Isn’t Recognized?

If your NIDA number isn’t found, it’s likely your details haven’t been synced with the HCMIS database. You’ll need to:

  • Visit your HR or personnel office.
  • Provide your NIDA card for manual verification and update.

Can I Complete Registration on My Phone?

Yes, the portal works on smartphones, but make sure:

  • You use a modern browser like Chrome or Firefox.
  • Your phone’s screen is set to full desktop view for easier form navigation.

FAQs

Only Tanzanian public servants with a valid Check Number and National ID (NIDA) are eligible to register.

Your Check Number is provided by your employer or appears on official government employment documents and payslips.

No. The NIDA number is mandatory for identity verification during registration.

Contact your personnel or HR officer to ensure your information is updated in the Human Capital Management Information System (HCMIS).

Registration typically takes less than 10 minutes, provided your details are correct and the internet connection is stable.

Check your spam or junk folder. If it’s not there, confirm that the email address entered during registration is correct.

It’s not recommended. Use a personal email account to ensure privacy and receive secure communications.

Choose a password with at least 8 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols for maximum security.

Yes, but you’ll need to log in and update it in your profile settings. In some cases, HR verification might be required.

Yes, the registration and use of the ESS Utumishi Portal are completely free for all eligible public servants.

Final Thoughts

Registering on the ESS Utumishi Portal is straightforward if you prepare your details in advance and follow the correct steps. Once registered, you’ll gain access to essential HR services—making it easier to manage your employment information from anywhere, anytime.