Overview:
According to reports, the suspects were allegedly soliciting bribes ranging from UGX 8,000 to UGX 10,000 to facilitate the processing of ID renewals—a service that is supposed to be free of charge.
Police in Isingiro District have arrested three staff members of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) over allegations of extorting money from residents seeking to renew their national identity cards.
The arrest, which took place on Saturday evening, was initiated by Isingiro District Chairperson Aarone Turahi, who acted on a tip-off from concerned members of the public. According to reports, the suspects were allegedly soliciting bribes ranging from UGX 8,000 to UGX 10,000 to facilitate the processing of ID renewals—a service that is supposed to be free of charge.
The suspects are currently being held at Isingiro Central Police Station as investigations proceed. Authorities say they are working to determine whether the extortion scheme extends beyond the arrested individuals and how long it may have been ongoing.
“These are public services meant to be provided at no cost. We will not tolerate extortion and corruption in government systems,” said Mr Turahi, who led the operation.
The arrest comes amid a nationwide push by NIRA to complete the mass renewal and registration of national ID cards ahead of the 2026 general elections, as many existing cards issued in 2014 are set to expire after their 10-year validity period.
Ugandans are required to renew their national IDs to continue accessing key services such as voting, banking, SIM card registration, and government programs. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and NIRA have repeatedly emphasized that ID renewal is free, and that any attempt to charge citizens constitutes fraud and corruption.
Local leaders and civil society organisations have previously raised concerns about irregularities and delays in ID services, particularly in rural districts like Isingiro, where residents often travel long distances and face long queues to access NIRA services.
Police have urged members of the public to report any further cases of bribery or misconduct by public officers involved in national ID registration and renewal.