KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ministry of Internal Affairs has directed former ministers, Members of Parliament, and other former government officials to immediately return official passports issued to them during their tenure in public office.
The ministry says the passports remain government property and should only be used by individuals actively serving in positions that qualify them for official travel documents. Former officials have been advised to acquire ordinary passports for personal and private travel.
Speaking on the matter, the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Simon Mundeyi, expressed concern over the low level of compliance despite several reminders issued to former office holders.
According to Mundeyi, many former officials continue to hold and use official passports even after leaving government service, contrary to established regulations.
“Even though these passports are valid for up to 10 years, using them after leaving office may lead to questioning or embarrassment at immigration checkpoints,” Mundeyi said.
He explained that official passports are intended strictly for government duties and should be surrendered once an individual ceases to hold the office that qualified them to receive the document.
Mundeyi added that returning the passports is important for ensuring compliance with international travel regulations and avoiding unnecessary scrutiny from immigration authorities in foreign countries.
Uganda issues different categories of passports depending on the status of the holder and the purpose of travel. Diplomatic passports, which are red in color, are reserved for senior government officials and diplomats. Service or official passports, which are green, are issued to public servants and Members of Parliament travelling on official government assignments. Ordinary passports, commonly known as blue passports, are designated for personal travel.
The ministry has therefore urged all former government officials still in possession of official passports to surrender them without delay and obtain ordinary passports for their private travel needs.
The directive is part of efforts to ensure proper management of government travel documents and adherence to national and international passport regulations.
