The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has confirmed it is investigating allegations that some of its staff may have been involved in facilitating travel documents for a suspected sex-trafficking network operating in Dubai.
According to a BBC Africa undercover investigation, traffickers linked to Ugandan businessman Charles Mwesigwa allegedly gained access to personal data to process National IDs and passports for women trafficked to the Gulf. The documentary also linked Mwesigwa to the deaths of two Ugandan women, Monic Karungi and Kayla Murungi, who died after falling from high-rise buildings in Dubai.
Mr Charles Mwesigwa .
In a statement, NIRA said the inquiry is being conducted jointly with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Uganda Police Force. The authority reassured the public that its systems remain secure and that it has “zero tolerance for misconduct,” citing measures such as data encryption, role-based access controls, a dedicated Data Protection Officer and staff training.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has asked government to clarify whether the two deceased women were recruited through licensed labour-export companies and to provide more information on the alleged database breach.
NIRA stated it will inform the public of the outcome of the investigation and that any staff found culpable will face disciplinary and criminal action as provided by law.