Kayunga — The days of corrupt National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) officials extorting money from residents seeking to renew or collect their National IDs in Kayunga District are numbered, following a tough directive issued by local authorities.
This comes after a meeting held Tuesday between Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Trevor Solomon Baleke and the district NIRA chief, Muhammed Mpiima at the authority Kayunga office.
The meeting, according to officials, resolved that firm and immediate action be taken against any officers caught demanding money for services that are legally free.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, RDC Baleke confirmed that government is escalating oversight and enforcement in the affected areas.
“We have deployed plain-clothed operatives and intelligence officers at National ID registration and distribution centres, especially in Ntenjeru County North and Ntenjeru County South,” Baleke revealed.
“These operatives are disguising themselves as ordinary wananchi seeking services, and once they find any officer demanding or receiving a bribe, an instant arrest will be made.”
He noted that initial administrative measures have already been taken against some NIRA officials in subcounties where complaints have been most rampant.
Baleke reminded both the public and NIRA workers that acquiring or renewing a National ID remains a fully funded government service.
“Government has paid for everything at the registration and ID distribution centres,” he emphasized.
“Our people are not required to pay even a single coin. Anyone extorting money from citizens is acting outside the law and will be dealt with decisively.”
The RDC reassured residents of Kayunga District that the government will not tolerate corruption in essential public services.
“We want our people to access their National IDs freely, transparently and without fear. This corruption must end, and it will end,” he said.
Residents have in recent months raised concerns about alleged extortion, unnecessary delays, and obstruction by some NIRA officials, prompting today’s intervention.
On his part Mpiima distanced himself from any illegal actions and warned that any of his staff who gets into the trap shall face the consequences without any assistance or protection.
Authorities say the new measures are expected to restore order, accountability, and confidence in the issuance of National IDs across the district.
