By Karim Were
KAMPALA, The Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched a renewed compliance campaign, directing former ministers, Members of Parliament, and other ex-government officials to immediately return official passports issued to them while in public service.
According to the ministry, official and service passports remain the property of the Government of Uganda and are intended solely for individuals actively serving in positions that require official international travel. Former office holders have been advised to obtain ordinary passports for personal travel.
Speaking on the directive, Ministry Public Relations Officer Simon Mundeyi said authorities are concerned by the continued retention of official passports by individuals who are no longer entitled to use them despite repeated reminders.
Mundeyi noted that while official passports may remain valid for several years, their use after leaving office can create complications during international travel, including questioning by immigration officials and potential embarrassment at border entry points.
He emphasized that official travel documents are issued for government business and must be surrendered once a holder leaves the position that qualified them for the passport.
The ministry says the exercise is aimed at strengthening accountability in the management of government-issued travel documents and ensuring Uganda complies with international passport and immigration standards.
Uganda maintains different categories of passports based on the holder’s status and purpose of travel. Diplomatic passports are reserved for senior government officials and diplomats, while service passports are issued to public servants and legislators undertaking official assignments. Ordinary passports are intended for private travel by citizens.
Authorities have therefore called upon all former government officials still holding official passports to return them without delay and regularize their travel documentation by acquiring ordinary passports.
The move forms part of broader efforts to improve oversight of government assets, safeguard the integrity of official travel documents, and ensure adherence to both national regulations and international travel requirements.
This angle focuses less on the warning itself and more on the government’s effort to enforce passport regulations, accountability, and proper management of official documents.
