Beware of fraudsters offering fake ‘express’ national ID services
According to Ollama, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has been notified and is taking steps to block the website.
Claire Ollama, Registrar at NIRA, clarifies the difference between fake and genuine NIRA websites and social media accounts during the weekly joint security briefing at Naguru Police Headquarters. (Photo: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
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Ugandans have been warned against falling victim to fraudsters and fake online platforms claiming to offer express national ID services.
Addressing journalists during the joint security briefing at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, today, November 10, 2025, National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) registrar Claire Ollama said the authority had observed an increase in online scams and impersonation of its officials by individuals and websites seeking to exploit the public for money.
“We have observed with concern that several middlemen have turned this process into a money-making scheme, misleading the public and taking advantage of your trust,” Ollama said, adding that: They circulate false information and direct people to fake platforms for their personal gain.”
She cited ugfinder.com as one of the fraudulent websites currently under investigation, saying it falsely claims to provide “express” national ID services while defrauding unsuspecting Ugandans.
“This site has been fleecing Ugandans. It even lists contacts such as WhatsApp: +256 759 933 091 and email: info@ugfinder.com. Please, do not engage with them,” she warned.
Ollama during the weekly joint security briefing at Naguru Police Headquarters. (Photo: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
According to Ollama, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has been notified and is taking steps to block the website.
However, she cautioned that the site may remain visible to users accessing the internet through VPNs.
Ollama urged Ugandans to rely only on NIRA’s official communication channels for accurate information and feedback.
She listed the verified NIRA handles as follows:
- TikTok: @nira_ug
- WhatsApp line: +256 766 501 071 (including an official WhatsApp channel)
- YouTube: @NIRA_Ug
- X (formerly Twitter): @NIRA_Ug
- Facebook: National Identification and Registration Authority
- Website: www.nira.go.ug
“If you are dealing with any sources to access express service outside these, then you are doomed,” Ollama cautioned.
She further clarified that while a fee of shillings 300,000 has been gazetted for the express National ID service, the service has not yet been rolled out.
Ollama advised Ugandans to apply for services early instead of waiting until they urgently need an ID, warning that last-minute rushes often expose applicants to fraudsters.
“The best time to apply for a service is when you don’t urgently need it. Apply early, from birth if possible, and together we shall beat the middleman at his own game,” she said.
She also reminded the public that both the giver and receiver of a bribe commit a crime, urging citizens to follow lawful procedures and protect their personal data from third-party exploitation.
“Dealing with a third party can expose your personal information, which could be misused or stolen. Protect your data. Protect yourself,” she added.
Ollama thanked Ugandans actively participating in the ongoing mass enrolment and card collection exercise and urged parents to complete the registration process for their children during the school holidays.