By Frank Kamuntu
A National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) official has been remanded to Luzira prison after being charged with obtaining money by false pretense. The official, identified as Taremwa Jassy, is accused of defrauding a citizen by falsely promising to expedite the replacement of a lost National Identity Card for a fee of 250,000 shillings.
The 28-year-old, who resides in Balintuma-Mengo in the Lubaga Division, was presented before Buganda Road Court earlier today by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit. The charge stems from an incident that took place on January 30th, 2025, when the complainant, Bamwagala Michael, visited the NIRA office located on Lumumba Avenue in Kampala.
According to the court proceedings, Bamwagala sought assistance from an officer at the NIRA office to replace his lost National Identity Card. The officer allegedly informed him that the replacement could be processed quickly for a fee of 250,000 shillings. Recognizing this as a possible case of corruption, Bamwagala became suspicious of the officer’s request and opted to report the matter to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.
In response to the complaint, a sting operation was set up by the Anti-Corruption Unit, leading to the arrest of Taremwa Jassy. The officer was subsequently charged with obtaining money by false pretense, as he had no intention of processing the replacement card as promised.
During the court hearing, Taremwa Jassy denied the charges brought against him. His legal team submitted a bail application, requesting his release pending further proceedings. However, Prosecutor Amy Grace informed the court that she needed to verify the residences of the three people who had stood as sureties for the accused before responding to the bail request. As a result, Magistrate Niyonzima Alex remanded Jassy to Luzira prison until February 6th, 2025, when further legal proceedings will take place.
Prosecutor Amy Grace also indicated that investigations into the case are still ongoing, suggesting that additional details may emerge as the case progresses. The investigation has shed light on concerns regarding corruption at NIRA, an institution tasked with issuing vital identification documents for Ugandans.
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