KIKUUBE, Uganda — Residents in Uganda’s Kikuube District have accused some officials attached to the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) of demanding illegal payments for National ID services that are officially provided free of charge.
The allegations have emerged from Kyangwali and Katikara parishes in Kyangwali Sub-county, where residents claim that some personnel involved in the ongoing mass national registration and renewal exercise are charging between Shs10,000 and Shs30,000 to process applications or release National Identity Cards.
The complaints come amid a nationwide registration campaign aimed at increasing access to National IDs and updating population records. Under the exercise, most registration services are offered free of charge, with fees only applicable to specific gazetted services such as the replacement of lost IDs and the correction of personal information.
Several residents say they have been unable to access their National IDs because they cannot afford the alleged unofficial charges.
Jane Kyakuhaire, a resident of Katikara Village, claimed she was asked to pay Shs10,000 before her National ID could be released.
Another resident, Harriet Kunihira, alleged that officials demanded Shs20,000 for the same service.
She questioned why citizens were being required to pay for services funded by taxpayers and delivered by public officers.
“We are being asked to pay for services that government says are free. Many people cannot afford the money being demanded,” she said.
Emmanuel Alinda, a resident of Mburara Village, called for investigations into the allegations and urged authorities to take action against any officials found culpable.
“We need a thorough investigation so that those exploiting citizens are held accountable,” he said.
The allegations have attracted the attention of local leaders, who say they have received multiple complaints from residents.
Kikuube District LC V Vice Chairperson Vincent Opio confirmed that his office had been informed of alleged extortion during the registration exercise.
He warned that district authorities would work closely with the Resident District Commissioner’s office to investigate the claims and ensure accountability.
“We have received complaints from several residents. If any officials are found demanding money illegally, appropriate action will be taken,” Opio said.
However, Kikuube District NIRA Registration Officer Huzaifa Alinaitwe dismissed the allegations, insisting that the issuance of National IDs is entirely free and that members of the public should not make any payments to officials.
He clarified that charges only apply to services specifically provided for under existing regulations, including the replacement of lost National IDs and the correction of personal details.
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“National IDs are issued free of charge. We encourage members of the public not to pay money to anyone for services that are supposed to be free,” Alinaitwe said.
Kikuube Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Godwin Angalia said his office had also received reports of alleged extortion and confirmed that investigations were underway.
He assured residents that authorities would establish the facts surrounding the complaints and take appropriate action where necessary.
The allegations come at a time when government is seeking to increase public participation in the ongoing national registration exercise, which is considered critical for identity management, access to public services and electoral planning.
Authorities have urged residents to report any cases of bribery, extortion or misconduct to relevant government agencies to safeguard the integrity of the exercise.
