NIRA Official Arrested in Kagadi over Alleged Extortion of National ID Applicants

29 October 2025, 7:17 am

By James Muhumuza

Extortion is the practice of obtaining benefit through coercion.

In most jurisdictions it is likely to constitute a criminal offence.

Robbery is the simplest and most common form of extortion, although making unfounded threats in order to obtain an unfair business advantage is also a form of extortion.

A staff member of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) in Kagadi District has been arrested over allegations of extorting money from individuals seeking to obtain national identity cards.

The suspect has been identified as Bashir Akugizibwe aged 25, who serves as the NIRA Supervisor for Mabaale Zone in Mabaale town council, Kagadi District.

Akugizibwe was arrested yesterday afternoon (28th 10 2025) at the Mabaale Town Council headquarters in an operation led by Jeremy Namanya the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kagadi, with support from officers of the Uganda Police Force.

According to Commissioner Namanya, the arrest followed several public complaints about rampant extortion by some NIRA staff operating in various service centers across the district.

Namanya said he received a tip-off early yesterday morning from a resident of Mabaale Town Council alleging that money was being solicited illegally.

Acting swiftly on the information, his office coordinated a joint operation that led to Akugizibwe’s arrest.

When interviewed by our reporter shortly after his arrest, Akugizibwe denied the allegations, claiming that the UGX 10,000 he received was merely a token of appreciation from a satisfied client for good service rendered.

By press time, the suspect was still being interrogated by CID operatives at Kagadi Central Police Station.

Deputy RDC Namanya revealed that charges of illegal extortion and misuse of public office will be preferred against the suspect.

He further appealed to members of the public who have experienced similar acts of extortion to report such cases to his office for immediate action.

Residents who had gathered at Mabaale Town Council headquarters for NIRA services expressed relief and appreciation upon learning of the arrest.

These commended the Deputy RDC for his swift action against corruption.