A frustrated citizen, Easton Ndyabasa, has publicly criticized the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the rampant corruption and poor service at their Mbarara office. According to Easton, the majority of the workers are not only corrupt but also incredibly rude to customers.
Easton singled out one employee, describing him as a black man who behaves as if the office belongs to him. This man, along with other staff members, has been accused of several corrupt practices that make it difficult for people to get the services they need without paying bribes.
Bribery for Biodata Printing
One common practice is demanding bribes for printing biodata. Easton explained that even when people go for their appointments, they are often sent back to print their biodata, a task that’s practically impossible without assistance. However, the staff are more than willing to help if you pay them 100,000 UGX or negotiate it down to 50,000 UGX.
Denial of Services Without Bribes
Another issue is denying services to people who don’t have a physical ID but possess a letter of confirmation from the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA). According to Easton, these individuals are often told they can’t get a passport unless they pay a bribe to someone in the office. Without paying, they are advised to cancel their application and reapply through Kampala, a lengthy and inconvenient process.
Connected Systems Ignored
Easton pointed out that the system is supposed to be connected to NIRA, meaning that the NIN (National Identification Number) should be sufficient to verify someone’s identity. He questioned why someone with a letter from NIRA and the NIRA registration form is denied a passport. It seems clear that the denial is a tactic to extract bribes.
Call for Genuine Service
In his message, Easton implored the workers at the Mbarara office to serve the people genuinely or leave their positions if they are not satisfied with their earnings. He emphasized that their current behavior is only frustrating the common man who just wants to access basic services.
Warnings About Mbale Branch
Easton didn’t stop at criticizing the Mbarara office. He also warned people about the Mbale branch, describing the experience there as regrettable. He highlighted an employee named Opolot, who, according to him, behaves as though he owns the branch. Easton called Opolot rude and unprofessional.
This public outcry has highlighted a significant issue within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, with corruption and poor service at the forefront. Citizens are calling for immediate action to address these problems and ensure that public servants fulfill their duties honestly and efficiently.
