Fake NIRA Agents Arrested in Nakawa as Identity Registration Scam Spreads Across Kampala

Kampala, Uganda — The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), in collaboration with Uganda Police, has arrested a group of suspected fraudsters at its Nakawa Division office in Ntinda after they were caught illegally charging members of the public for services that are officially free.

The arrests follow a similar operation earlier this week at NIRA’s Kampala Central Division on Lumumba Avenue, confirming the emergence of a coordinated syndicate exploiting citizens seeking national identity services.

How the Scam Operated

According to officials at the Nakawa NIRA office, the suspects had strategically embedded themselves among applicants waiting to register for National Identification Numbers (NINs) and National ID cards. Disguised as “helpers,” “connectors” and informal agents, they approached people—especially first-time applicants and those unfamiliar with NIRA procedures—offering to “speed up” the process for a fee.

Victims were misled into paying between UGX 5,000 and UGX 50,000 for NIRA registration forms and supposed facilitation, despite the fact that all NIRA services are free of charge.

The scammers relied on confidence, insider language, and familiarity with the registration process to appear legitimate. Some guided applicants through form filling, while others falsely claimed they had direct access to NIRA staff inside the offices.

How They Were Caught

NIRA staff, who had already been alerted by the earlier Kampala Central incident, noticed unusual patterns at the Nakawa office. Some individuals were repeatedly collecting money, handling multiple sets of forms, and directing applicants outside official queues.

Undercover police officers and NIRA personnel quietly monitored the group before moving in.

When the operation was launched, officers recovered:

NIRA registration forms

Photocopies of applicants’ documents

Mobile phones used to coordinate payments

Cash in small denominations

Keys and other accessories used to pose as officials

The suspects were immediately arrested and taken away for processing as investigations continue.

NIRA Issues Strong Warning

Following the operation, NIRA issued a firm public warning:

“Anyone who demands money for NIRA services — whether in uniform, civilian clothes, or claiming to have connections — is a fraudster. All NIRA services, including registration and replacement of National IDs, are absolutely free.”

NIRA has urged members of the public to deal only with official staff inside NIRA offices and to report anyone asking for money.

A Growing Syndicate

The back-to-back arrests in Kampala Central and Nakawa suggest the presence of a wider network targeting high-traffic NIRA offices across the city. Authorities believe the suspects may have been rotating locations to avoid detection.

With thousands of Ugandans seeking NIN registration for banking, SIM card verification, government services, and upcoming electoral activities, scammers have been exploiting desperation and long queues.

What the Public Should Know

NIRA has reiterated the following:

There is no fee for NIN or National ID registration

No one is authorized to sell NIRA forms

No one can “fast-track” or “connect” applicants for payment

Only NIRA officers inside the offices handle registration

Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious individuals to on-site police or NIRA officials immediately.