Iganga, Uganda: Police in Busoga East Region have launched investigations after suspected thieves broke into the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) offices in Iganga and made away with unspecified office equipment, including computers.
The break-in, which reportedly occurred on Monday night, disrupted operations at the district registration office, leaving dozens of residents stranded outside the premises on Tuesday as officials coordinated with police investigators.
By Tuesday morning, both members of the public seeking NIRA services and some staff members were unable to access the office as investigators processed the crime scene.
A source familiar with the matter told DailyExpress that normal operations were temporarily halted after the theft was discovered.
“We have been here at the gate since morning, but no one is being allowed to access the offices. The information we have is that some laptops were stolen from the NIRA offices, and we don’t know what is next,” said one resident who had visited the office to follow up on her National Identity Card application.
The incident has raised concerns among residents, particularly those waiting to collect renewed National Identity Cards recently dispatched to the district from NIRA headquarters in Kololo, Kampala.
Questions remain over whether any sensitive registration equipment, citizen records, or unclaimed National Identity Cards were affected during the break-in.
When contacted for comment, the NIRA District Registration Officer for Iganga, Mr. Aloysius Ochola, confirmed the incident but declined to discuss details, citing ongoing police investigations.
“I have heard what you’re saying, but that matter has been subjected to police investigation. They are the ones in charge of that now,” Ochola said before ending the telephone conversation.
Busoga East Regional Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha later confirmed the break-in and disclosed that one suspect had already been arrested to assist with investigations.
“It’s true thugs broke into the NIRA offices, but I’m waiting for more information before giving an official statement. However, one person was arrested in connection with this matter and will support us in our ongoing investigations,” ASP Kasadha said.
He added that police detectives were still gathering evidence and establishing exactly what was stolen before issuing a comprehensive statement.
The theft comes at a time when NIRA is handling a nationwide exercise involving National Identity Card renewals and replacements, with thousands of Ugandans across the country seeking registration and collection services.
The Iganga office serves as a critical registration centre for residents in the district and surrounding areas, processing applications, renewals, corrections and issuance of National Identity Cards.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the value of the stolen items or whether any government data systems were compromised during the break-in.
Police investigations are ongoing.
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