NIRA EXTORTION RACKET! Three Officials Detained Over Shs50,000 ID Bribes
Three officials of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) are being held at Kiryandongo Central Police Station over allegations of extorting money from people seeking national identity cards. The suspects, identified as Hakim Mutesasira, Joy Tusingwire and Peace Sabiro, were arrested on Monday on the orders of Kiryandongo Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Dan Muganga.
Muganga said the officials allegedly demanded between Shs20,000 and Shs50,000 from individuals seeking to obtain national identity cards. He said the alleged extortion was taking place both during field registration exercises and at the NIRA office in Kiryandongo District.
The RDC condemned the alleged conduct, saying it undermined public confidence in government institutions. “We shall not allow this to continue happening. These NIRA officials are causing the public to lose trust in the government. Stern action will be taken against the officials, and we call upon the public to report extortion cases for action to be taken,” Muganga said.
Kiryandongo Woman Member of Parliament Jovia Kastusiime said she had also received several complaints from constituents accusing NIRA officials of extortion. The District Police Commander, Stephen Ojok, confirmed the arrests and detention of the three officials, adding that police had received several complaints from members of the public about their conduct.
Ojok said the suspects would be taken to court to face charges of extortion and obtaining money by false pretences after investigations are completed. Mbale Akampulira, the head of NIRA in Kiryandongo, said the authority would investigate the allegations against the staff, adding that it was committed to ensuring that members of the public could access its services.
Akampulira said at least 25,000 children had been registered under the ongoing registration exercise. She explained that registration for babies aged zero to six months is free, while children aged six months to 17 years are charged Shs10,000.
Applicants aged 18 and above are charged Shs20,000 for birth certificates, she said. Akampulira added that replacement of lost national identity cards and changes to applicants’ particulars attract a fee of Shs200,000, while corrections arising from errors made by NIRA officials are free of charge.
GOT A HOT STORY? LET US KNOW!
Got breaking news, explosive secrets, or hard evidence?
Email us: redpeppertips@gmail.com
We accept tips, documents, videos, photos, and recordings—the more evidence you have, the better.
CONFIDENTIALITY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. SOURCES ARE ALWAYS PROTECTED!
About Post Author
