By Joseph Kiggundu
Former ministers, Members of Parliament, and other public servants who have left government employment have been directed to return their official passports and acquire ordinary passports for personal travel.
The directive was issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which expressed concern that many former government officials continue to retain passports that were issued to them during their tenure in public office.
Speaking to the media, the ministry’s spokesperson, Simon Mundeyi, emphasized that official passports remain the property of the Government of Uganda and are only intended for individuals actively serving in designated public positions.
Mundeyi noted that despite several reminders from government authorities, a number of former officials have yet to comply with the requirement to surrender the travel documents.
He explained that the validity period indicated on an official passport does not grant a former office holder the right to continue using it after leaving government service.
According to the ministry, individuals who travel using official passports after leaving office may face difficulties at international immigration checkpoints. Foreign authorities may question their current government status and seek clarification on the purpose of their travel.
Mundeyi warned that such situations could cause unnecessary inconvenience and urged former officials to hand over the passports as required by law.
The ministry further explained that Uganda issues different categories of passports based on the holder’s role and travel purpose.
Diplomatic passports, identifiable by their red colour, are issued to senior government leaders and diplomats, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, ambassadors, and other officials representing Uganda abroad.
Official or service passports are reserved for Members of Parliament, civil servants, and government employees undertaking official state assignments. These passports must be returned once the holder ceases to serve in government.
Ordinary passports are issued to Ugandan citizens for personal travel, including tourism, business, education, and other private activities, and remain valid regardless of employment status.
Uganda also provides Convention Travel Documents to recognized refugees to facilitate international travel in accordance with international refugee protection standards.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has urged all former public officials to comply with the directive and return government-issued passports to avoid legal and travel-related complications.