The Ministry of Internal Affairs has directed former Members of Parliament, ministers, and other public officials who are no longer serving in government to return the official passports issued to them during their tenure and switch to ordinary passports for personal travel.
The call was made by the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Simon Mundeyi, who said many former leaders are still holding onto official passports despite leaving public office.
Mundeyi explained that official passports are government property and are issued solely for use by individuals actively serving in designated government positions. Once an official leaves office, they are expected to surrender the document to the authorities.
He noted that while official passports may remain valid for several years, their use is tied to a person’s position in government and not the expiry date indicated in the passport.
According to Mundeyi, former officials who continue using official passports after leaving office may face questions from immigration authorities when travelling abroad.
“If they travel using an official passport, immigration officers may ask them which government office they currently hold and what official duties they are carrying out on behalf of Uganda,” he said.
He added that returning the passports helps former officials avoid unnecessary complications during international travel while ensuring compliance with government regulations.
The Ministry says only a small number of former officials have complied with the directive so far, despite repeated reminders to surrender the documents after leaving public service.
Officials have now urged all former MPs, ministers, and civil servants still in possession of official passports to return them without delay and obtain ordinary passports for future travel.
Got a Story, Advert, or Announcement?
Onion accepts sponsored content, adverts, and news tips.
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +256 787888277