KWANIA, UGANDA》Operations of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) in parts of Kwania District have been suspended following a wave of complaints accusing officials and volunteers of extorting money from citizens during the national ID distribution exercise.
The suspension affects Abongomola and Ayabi sub-counties, where residents reported being forced to pay illegal fees to access national IDs services that are officially provided free of charge.
According to multiple accounts, some NIRA personnel allegedly demanded Shs1,000 per person, disguising the charges as money for “tea and lunch” before releasing the IDs.
Residents in Atongtidi Sub-county say they paid reluctantly, fearing delays or denial of their national identity cards.
An insider, speaking anonymously, linked the practice to frustrations among workers whose contracts had expired, leaving them operating without pay.
Kwania District NIRA Officer-in-Charge Wilfred Okumu confirmed the suspension, citing numerous complaints of extortion involving volunteers handling ID distribution.
He revealed that all registration and distribution kits have been withdrawn from the affected sub-counties to pave way for investigations.
However, ID distribution continues in other parts of the district not affected by the allegations.
Local leaders have reiterated that national ID services are entirely free, urging residents to reject and report any officials demanding money.
Authorities have launched investigations to identify those behind the alleged extortion, with disciplinary and legal action expected against anyone found culpable.
The incident adds to growing concerns over malpractice in Uganda’s national ID exercise, where government has repeatedly warned against bribery, extortion, and abuse of office.
