In a decisive move to address corruption, four National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) officials are now in custody at Bukuya Police Station in Kassanda district, following allegations of extortion during the ongoing mass registration exercise.
The arrests were ordered by Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Mike Ssegawa on June 26, 2025, after a security meeting with NIRA officials and local leaders.
The accusations stem from direct evidence gathered from Kyato Mbirizi Sub-County and Nabondo in Bukuya Town Council, where residents reported that the NIRA officials were extorting money from citizens seeking registration services. The complaints, centered in Kalata Ward, Bukuya Town Council, highlighted a pattern of illicit demands by the officials, undermining the integrity of the national identification process.
During the security meeting, Deputy RDC Ssegawa, flanked by key local figures, including District Internal Security Officer (DISO) Jude Kyomulungi, Deputy DISO Musa Bwanika, area Member of Parliament Dr. Bukenya Kyabikoola, and LC3 chairpersons from Bukuya Town Council, Kijuna, and Bukuya Sub-County, addressed the issue head-on. Ssegawa condemned the officials’ actions, emphasizing that such misconduct would not be tolerated, as it erodes public trust in government programs.
Acting swiftly, Ssegawa directed the Officer-in-Charge (OC) at Bukuya Police Station to record statements from both the suspects and their victims to ensure a thorough investigation. He further instructed that the accused be brought before a court of law to face charges related to extortion. This response underscores the government’s commitment to upholding accountability and transparency in public service delivery.
The arrests have sparked discussions among residents, with many praising the swift action taken by local authorities. The mass registration exercise, critical for updating national identification records, is intended to streamline access to services and enhance security. However, incidents of extortion threaten to derail its success and disenfranchise vulnerable citizens.
Local leaders, including Dr. Kyabikoola, have called for stricter oversight of NIRA operations to prevent future abuses. The case now rests with the police and judicial system, as the community awaits justice. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in ensuring public officials adhere to ethical standards, particularly in programs affecting millions of Ugandans.