Allegations of extortion and bribery have emerged in Kikuube District against officials of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), with residents claiming they are being charged illegal fees to access services that are meant to be free.
Residents from Kyangwali and Katikara parishes in Kyangwali Sub-county say NIRA officials conducting the ongoing mass national registration exercise are demanding between Shs 10,000 and Shs 30,000 to process services or release National Identity cards.
The complaints come amid the nationwide registration and renewal exercise, where government services are officially provided free of charge except for a few gazetted cases such as replacement of lost IDs or correction of particulars.
Some affected residents say they have been unable to receive their National IDs because they cannot afford the alleged unofficial charges. Jane Kyakuhaire from Katikara Village alleges she was asked to pay Shs 10,000 before receiving her ID.
Harriet Kunihira also claims she was demanded to pay Shs 20,000 to access the same service, questioning why citizens are being charged yet officials are salaried to provide the service.
Another resident, Emmanuel Alinda of Mburara Village, has called for investigations and prosecution of the officials accused of extortion.
Kikuube District LCV Vice Chairperson Vincent Opio said his office has received several complaints from residents accusing some NIRA officials of demanding money during the exercise.
He warned that the district leadership will work with the Resident District Commissioner to investigate and ensure those responsible are arrested.
Kikuube District NIRA Registration Officer Huzaifa Alinaitwe dismissed the allegations, stating that issuance of National Identity Cards is completely free of charge and no payments should be made to officials.
He clarified that only officially gazetted charges apply in cases such as the replacement of lost IDs or the corrections of personal details.
Kikuube Resident District Commissioner Godwin Angalia said his office has also received similar complaints and assured the public that investigations are underway.
He reiterated that most NIRA services are free and urged residents to report any officials demanding illegal payments.
The National Identification and Registration Authority is currently conducting a nationwide mass registration and renewal exercise aimed at expanding access to national identification services across the countr
