The Ministry of Internal Affairs in Uganda has noted a significant decrease in the number of applicants for Ugandan passports.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, the spokesperson for Internal Affairs, stated that during the Covid-19 pandemic, there was an initial surge in Ugandans applying for passports. This prompted the ministry to upgrade its systems in anticipation of higher application numbers.
However, Mundeyi expressed surprise that the expected increase did not materialize. He mentioned that they had anticipated over 3,000 passport applications per day, but the actual number has dropped to less than 1,000 applicants daily.
The ministry has adjusted its processing times accordingly. Express passport applications are now completed within two days, while ordinary passport applicants receive theirs within 10 working days.
Mundeyi urged Ugandans to avoid using brokers for passport applications, emphasizing the efficiency of the current system. He highlighted that those who opt for express passports can secure an appointment within 30 minutes of application.
Instances of fraudulent activities involving brokers have been reported. Mundeyi recounted a case where a farmer from Sembabule district was deceived by brokers, paying them 2 million shillings for a passport that typically costs 250,000 shillings.
Since the introduction of electronic passports in 2018, only 1.3 million Ugandans have applied for or received passports, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The fees for passports range from 250,000 to 500,000 shillings, depending on the type.
The ministry emphasizes the importance of using official channels for passport applications, cautioning against engaging with unauthorized individuals or brokers.
