Residents in Ibanda District have raised concerns over alleged extortion by staff of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), accusing some officials of demanding money from citizens in exchange for faster processing and issuance of national identity cards.
The matter was recently tabled before the Ibanda District Council, where leaders called for urgent investigations into the allegations and accountability for any officers found culpable.
Ibanda District Speaker Godwin Muhumuza Oulanya said the reports from the community were worrying, noting that national identity cards are supposed to be issued free of charge.
“We have received disturbing reports from the community regarding illegal charges being imposed on citizens who are supposed to receive their national IDs free of charge,” Oulanya said.
“I urge security authorities to take keen interest in this matter and carry out thorough investigations.”
The Vice Chairperson of Ibanda District, Elias Tumubweine, also condemned the alleged practice, saying it undermines a key government service meant to be accessible to all citizens.
“The government provides these identity cards free of charge, and we applaud that initiative,” Tumubweine said.
“However, we have received complaints from residents that some NIRA workers are asking for between Shs10,000 and Shs20,000 to speed up the process. This is unacceptable.”
He urged residents not to pay any money to access services that are meant to be free and warned that disciplinary action would be taken against those implicated.
“I want to make it clear to the public that no one should pay any NIRA staff to receive their national ID,” he emphasized.
“Authorities will take punitive action against anyone found extorting money from citizens.”
However, Ibanda NIRA Registration Officer Fred Abaho denied receiving any formal complaints about extortion, though he cautioned staff against engaging in any corrupt practices.
“As of now, we have not received any official reports of extortion by our staff,” Abaho said.
“The government pays our workers, and there is no justification for charging the public. Anyone involved in such acts should stop immediately.”
Authorities say investigations will be followed up to establish the truth of the allegations as pressure grows for improved transparency and accountability in public service delivery.
