Citizens waiting to be registered by NIRA officers. NIRA boss in Kabale is said to have been asking for a bribe for one to be registered. (PHOTO/FILE)
KABALE – Police in Kabale district on Thursday, April 25 arrested a National Identification Registration Authority (NIRA) Officer on allegation of bribery and extortion.
Police on orders of district Deputy Resident District Commissioner Mr. Gad Rugaju arrested a one Samson Twasiima in Butanda Sub County.
Mr. Twasiima was arrested during a meeting between Mr. Rugaju and residents of Butanda, held at Butanda Sub County headquarters.
Mr. Rugaju says he called the meeting after several residents reported to his office complaining against the NIRA boss and his colleagues for extorting money from locals who are trying to register for national IDs.
It is said that Mr. Twasiima was reported by some residents who told the RDC that the suspect forced them to pay up to Shs100,000 to accept their applications for the IDs.
Mr. Twasiima is also said to have been charging Shs8000 and 20000 for birth and death certificates respectively from the locals.
In response, Mr. Norman Nsenga the Kabale and Rukiga districts NIRA officer described the situation as unfortunate and condemned the act.
Mr. Nsenga clarified that the registration process for the National IDs is free and all the money supposed to be paid, 5000 for a birth certificate and 50000 for National ID replacement must be paid in the bank.
It is said that Mr. Twasiima admitted to have extorted the money from the residents but could not account for it.
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