Pader leaders seek closer NIRA services amid concerns over ID access

5 November 2026, 3:16 pm

By Geoffrey Okwong

District leaders in Pader have called for national identity registration services to be brought closer to communities, while raising concerns about alleged unofficial charges and errors in the registration of residents.

The concerns were raised during Pader District’s 2026/27 budget conference held at Kworo Guest House in Pader Town Council.

Denis Niwamanya, the district’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) officer in Pader, told the meeting that charges apply to certain services, including changing names and replacing lost national identity cards.

Niwamanya encouraged councillors to contact him when residents require assistance with NIRA services, although the conference discussion also highlighted the need to make those services more accessible across the district.

Joe Okwera, councillor for Bongtiko Sub-county, called for NIRA services to be decentralised to sub-counties to reduce the difficulties residents face in accessing registration services.

District Chairperson Alfred Akena raised concerns about alleged unofficial charges, claiming that some residents had been asked to pay UGX 20,000 to obtain their national identity cards.

Akena also questioned whether some children’s names had been registered without adequate consultation with their parents.

The allegations were raised during the conference and were not independently verified. NIRA’s response to the claims was not available at the time of writing.

The discussion highlighted the need for accessible identity registration services and clear communication about official fees and procedures.