MICHAEL N
Residents and local leaders in Ntungamo District have raised concerns over alleged bribery during the ongoing National Identification Card registration exercise.
Reports from Nyakyera Sub-County indicate that registration, which began at the sub-county headquarters before being moved to Rwembirizi Church of Uganda in Ngoma Parish, has been marred by claims that registrars demand a payment of Shs 5,000 from applicants before offering services. Those who fail to pay are allegedly forced to make repeated visits without being attended to.
Local leaders from various parishes have shared similar experiences. In Omugyenyi Parish, Rwibaare Cell Chairperson Amon Agaba said he was personally charged when renewing his ID, adding that those who pay receive faster service while others face delays. He expressed frustration over the lack of responsive authorities to address such complaints, saying the practice fuels corruption in public service delivery.
In Rubaare Sub-County, Kyamuhamya Cell Chairperson Apporo Mijuri attributed the problem partly to congestion, noting that a single registration computer serves over 40 villages and parishes. He said the long distances to registration centers, coupled with transport costs and bribery demands, particularly burden the elderly. He called for closer government monitoring of such programs and better collaboration with village-level leaders to ensure transparency.
When approached for comment, a registrar in Itojo—who requested anonymity—linked the bribery allegations to the delayed payment of workers by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA). She claimed that for the past two months, staff had not been paid, forcing them to cover transport, lunch, and other costs out of pocket while on duty.
Residents have urged the government to investigate the matter, ensure that the registration process remains free as intended, and address the underlying issues contributing to alleged extortion.
