A local official from Uganda’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has been arrested in Rubanda District on suspicion of soliciting a bribe during the national mass ID enrolment and renewal campaign.
The suspect, identified as Mr Amos James Owakubariho, is accused of demanding a UGX 50,000 bribe from Mr Boniface Tibemanya, a resident of Nyarurambi Ward in Rubanda Town Council. According to authorities, Mr Tibemanya had all the required documentation and a formal recommendation but was still asked to pay in order to process his ID.
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Rubanda Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr Eric Ssewandigi, confirmed the arrest and said the incident was brought to light after the victim reported the matter to his office.
“The complainant informed me that he had been asked to pay Shs50,000 to have his ID renewed, despite meeting all the requirements,” Mr Ssewandigi said. “The official even provided a mobile number to receive the payment.”
The RDC, who has previously warned against corruption in the ID registration process, said he coordinated with police to catch the suspect in the act. “I provided the complainant with the money, kept a copy of the notes, and once the transaction was completed, the police moved in and made the arrest,” he added.
The official is currently held at Rubanda Central Police Station and is expected to appear in court. Authorities say he will be charged with corruption-related offences.
Mr Ssewandigi reiterated that the national ID program is a free government service and said that NIRA staff receive public funds to carry out their duties. “We have no tolerance for extortion,” he stressed.
He also revealed that similar complaints have been received from other parts of the district. “In Hamuhambo Town Council, there have been reports of registrars collecting between Shs10,000 and Shs50,000 from applicants. Some have refunded the money after being warned, but the habit persists. We’ve now resolved to prosecute offenders,” he said.
The arrest follows growing concerns from NIRA leadership about unethical behaviour among staff. Brig. Gen. Stephen Kwiringira, the agency’s Director of Registration and Operations, recently condemned such actions, warning they could damage the credibility of the entire exercise.
“These behaviours undermine public trust and threaten the integrity of our national registration efforts,” Brig. Gen. Kwiringira said.
The ongoing mass enrolment and ID renewal campaign seeks to update 15.8 million expiring national IDs and register 17.2 million new applicants. Possession of a valid national ID is essential for accessing government services, participating in elections, and travelling within the East African region.
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