Gulu City councillors warned against recommending foreigners for National IDs

Gulu City, Uganda:- The Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Gulu City, Mr Onoria Ambrose, has issued a stern warning to local councillors against endorsing foreigners for national identity cards, a practice he described as illegal and detrimental to national security.

Speaking during a recent meeting organized by local councillors to discuss unpaid remittance money, Mr Onoria emphasized that National Identity Cards are exclusively meant for Ugandan citizens.

The RCC’s caution followed reports that a local councillor had recommended a foreigner for a national ID, a breach of the regulations set by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to register and issue identification documents only to Ugandan citizens.

“I have encountered several Southern Sudanese individuals approaching me with recommendations for national IDs. I rejected them because they are not Ugandans,” he stated.

Onoria further stressed the importance of training local councillors to understand their roles in supporting the community and government, acknowledging that some councillors may be vulnerable to bribery due to poverty. “Foreigners are offering money to secure recommendations, which compromises the integrity of the process,” he noted.

Lukoya Alex Odong, another official present at the meeting, proposed a refresher course for local councillors (LCs) to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to avoid illegal activities that could lead to their arrest.

“Training will help LCs make informed decisions and resist financial temptations. Increasing their salaries would also improve their livelihoods and performance,” Lukoya argued.

Ajok, a concerned resident of Gulu City, proposed a practical solution to curb the malpractice: stripping stamps from LCs who engage in the unauthorized recommendation of foreigners. “Many LCs are driven by financial gain due to their limited resources. Simply advising them to stop won’t be effective if their economic challenges are not addressed,” she stated.

She also noted that some LCs, especially those lacking basic literacy skills, depend on others to write recommendations on their behalf, making them susceptible to exploitation.

Calls for Legal Reform and Accountability

Christine Piloya, another resident, appealed to the government to amend the law governing the roles and responsibilities of Local Councillors to enhance accountability and transparency.

“Legal reforms are necessary to establish clearer guidelines, enforce stricter penalties for misconduct, and create robust mechanisms for monitoring LC performance,” Piloya emphasized, urging local communities to actively monitor the actions of LCs to ensure they serve the interests of the people.