By Ollus Ndomu
Ugandans residing abroad will now be required to return to their homeland for passport processing or replacement, according to new guidelines issued by the country’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control. Previously, Ugandans could avail passport services at 38 different embassies worldwide.
The decision to change the protocol comes as the Ugandan government seeks to address concerns over the integrity of its passports.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, stated that the move aims to curb instances of passport fraud, particularly among Ugandans living in the diaspora.
Reports have surfaced alleging that some individuals were selling their passports to criminal elements.
The directive signifies a shift in policy, requiring Ugandans abroad to physically return to their homeland for passport-related matters.
This move may pose challenges for Ugandan citizens residing in distant countries who now have to make arrangements to travel back to Uganda for passport services. However, authorities emphasize the importance of maintaining the security and credibility of Ugandan travel documents.
