Bribes, Extortion and Fraud Hit Uganda’s National ID Renewal Drive

Kampala, Uganda – As Uganda pushes to register and renew millions of National IDs, corruption has reared its head in registration centers nationwide. Authorities say at least 11 suspects — including temporary assistants and National Identification & Registration Authority (NIRA) staff — have been arrested for bribery, impersonation and extortion.

Reported Abuses

Charging applicants unofficial fees to skip queues

Selling registration forms meant to be free

Demanding bribes to “speed up” processing

Impersonation and fraud, including registering under false names

So far, more than 9 million Ugandans have registered in the ongoing drive — but many vulnerable citizens risk exclusion if corruption persists.

Why It Matters

National IDs are mandatory for:

Voting in 2026 elections

Accessing banking services

Travelling, health care, and SIM card registration

When corruption infiltrates the process, poorer Ugandans, especially women and rural dwellers, are the most disadvantaged.

Crackdown Underway

Security agencies are investigating cases across Kampala, Wakiso, and other districts.

NIRA has pledged stronger supervision and hotlines for complaints.

Civil society groups are urging government to digitize processes further to cut out human interference.

Citizen Voices

Interviews with residents reveal:

A mother of three in Wakiso paid Shs 10,000 to have her form “accepted quickly.”

A university student in Kampala said she was turned away twice until she paid an “unofficial fee” to a field officer.

Elderly applicants in rural districts complain they are told to “wait weeks” unless they pay bribes.

What’s Next

Parliament is expected to debate reforms to NIRA’s operations.

A wider digital upgrade could reduce human contact and extortion points.

Watchdog agencies are pressing for swift prosecutions to deter further abuse.