In a significant move to clear storage backlogs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has destroyed 158,000 uncollected passports.
These were older, paper-based passport booklets that had remained unclaimed for years, despite repeated reminders to their owners.
Why Were the Passports Destroyed?
Simon Mundeyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, explained the decision during a press briefing on Monday.
“The owners applied for these passports, paid for them, but never collected them. We sent messages and issued announcements, yet they remained unclaimed,” he said.
The 158,000 passports were rendered invalid following Uganda’s transition to electronic passports in 2023.
The new polycarbonate e-passports replaced the older paper-based versions, making the uncollected booklets obsolete.
A Growing Backlog of Uncollected E-Passports
Mundeyi also highlighted a new challenge: 12,580 newer electronic passports remain uncollected, creating a storage backlog. He warned that these, too, will be destroyed if not claimed soon.
“We urge passport owners to come forward and collect their documents. Failure to do so will result in their destruction,” Mundeyi stated.
Passports Returned by Labour Companies
In addition to uncollected passports, the Ministry is holding 60,000 passports returned by labour companies that had planned to take Ugandan workers to Gulf countries. Mundeyi urged affected individuals to retrieve their documents.
“These passports are still valid. We call upon all Ugandans who were unable to travel abroad to come and check for their passports,” he said.
Key Takeaways
- 158,000 older passports destroyed: Uncollected paper-based booklets were rendered invalid after Uganda’s transition to e-passports.
- 12,580 e-passports uncollected: Owners risk losing their documents if they fail to collect them soon.
- 60,000 passports returned by labour companies: Valid passports are awaiting collection by Ugandans who couldn’t travel abroad.
