NIRA Official Arrested in Soroti Over Alleged Extortion of National ID Applicants

Joshua Ekude, an official attached to the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), has been arrested in Soroti District over allegations of extorting money from residents seeking national identity cards.

The arrest was carried out in an operation led by Soroti Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Imran Muluga in collaboration with the District Internal Security Office (DISO) and the police, following numerous complaints from residents who alleged that they were being asked to pay unofficial fees to process their national ID applications.

Muluga said his office had received several complaints from members of the public accusing some NIRA officials of demanding money from applicants, despite government directives that most NIRA services are offered free of charge. He explained that his office first engaged NIRA officials after receiving the complaints and informed them about the public concerns regarding the alleged unofficial charges for national IDs.

He added that a meeting was convened involving NIRA officials and community representatives to address the matter, but the suspected illegal practices reportedly continued, prompting authorities to launch investigations that eventually led to Ekude’s arrest.

According to Muluga, the arrest was part of an intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing corruption and protecting citizens from exploitation while accessing government services. He said authorities laid a trap after warning the officers against extorting members of the public and also sensitised residents on how to report suspected extortionists.

Muluga reiterated that registration for national identity cards is free of charge, except for officially gazetted fees related to replacing lost IDs and correcting personal details. He warned that any public officer found exploiting citizens would face action, stressing that public service must remain free, transparent, and fair for all Ugandans.

Ekude is currently being held at Katine Central Police Station, where officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) are recording statements and gathering phone recordings and other evidence to support prosecution.

The arrest comes at a time when NIRA is conducting mass registration and renewal exercises across the country, attracting large numbers of applicants seeking national IDs and related services.

The allegations have raised fresh concerns about the integrity of the registration process and heightened calls for tighter oversight to protect citizens from exploitation while accessing essential government services.