At the Kampala Central Division NIRA office, during the ongoing mass enrolment and renewal exercise, two men posed as NIRA registration staff. They approached citizens in the queue, offering “fast processing” and “quick card pickup” in exchange for money, claiming that “connections don’t run on air.”

Some of the citizens realized something was wrong and quietly alerted NIRA officials. In response, a team of real NIRA staff blended into the crowd and monitored the impostors.

When the men sensed trouble, one tried to walk away casually, while the other attempted to flee. Their efforts failed, and both were apprehended on the spot. Their promised “fast-track” service ended abruptly, replaced by consequences for their scam.

NIRA reminds the public that Mass enrolment and mass renewal services are completely free of charge.

“There is no fast tracking, no special connections, and absolutely no middlemen. Anyone asking for money in exchange for NIRA services is a fraudster and should be reported immediately”, Nira said. 

As NIRA emphasized, real-life scams do not end well: they conclude with “toa viato, and handcuffs.”