NIRA Officials in Kikuube Accused of Extorting Residents for National IDs

Residents in Kikuube district are voicing concerns over alleged corrupt practices by National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) officials. The accusations stem from Kyangwali and Katikara parishes within Kyangwali sub-county, where several individuals claim that NIRA staff involved in the current national registration drive are soliciting payments ranging from Shs 10,000 to Shs 30,000.

These alleged unofficial charges are reportedly being levied for services that are generally intended to be free, as part of a nationwide exercise. While certain services, such as replacing lost IDs or correcting personal details, have gazetted fees, the core registration and issuance process is meant to be free for taxpayers.

Multiple residents have reported being unable to obtain their National IDs due to their inability to meet these alleged unofficial demands. Jane Kyakuhaire and Harriet Kunihira shared their experiences, stating they were asked to pay significant sums to receive their identification documents, questioning the legitimacy of such payments from salaried government employees.

Emmanuel Alinda, a resident, is urging for a thorough investigation into these claims, calling for the prosecution of any officials found to be extorting money from the public. Vincent Opio, the Kikuube district LC V vice-chairperson, confirmed his office has received numerous complaints and pledged to collaborate with the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) to address the issue.

Huzaifa Alinaitwe, the Kikuube district NIRA registration officer, has denied the accusations, reiterating that the issuance of National IDs is free, with fees only applying to specific, officially gazetted situations. Kikuube RDC Godwin Angalia also confirmed receipt of similar complaints and assured the public that investigations are actively in progress.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/national-ids-kikuube-nira-officials-accused-of-extorting-money