The Ministry of Internal Affairs, has announced plans to burn 50,000 unclaimed passports, amounting to a value of UGX 12.5 billion.
This decision marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to address the issue of unclaimed passports, which has been a longstanding challenge for the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.
Mr. Simon Mundeyi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, emphasized that this initiative aims to efficiently manage the accumulation of uncollected passports.
“The burning of these passports signifies the government’s commitment to improving the administration of travel documents and ensuring that the passport issuance process is more streamlined and efficient,” stated Mr. Mundeyi.
The Ministry clarified that the backlog of unclaimed passports is, in part, due to applicants not receiving notifications to collect their travel documents. By clearing this backlog, the government aims to enhance communication channels and ensure that passport holders are promptly notified of their document availability.
Furthermore, this initiative underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing service delivery and addressing bureaucratic challenges. By eliminating unclaimed passports from the system, the government aims to optimize resources and improve the overall efficiency of passport issuance procedures.
“We are committed to modernizing our systems and processes to better serve the needs of our citizens and enhance the country’s international travel capabilities,” affirmed Mr. Mundeyi.
The burning of unclaimed passports signifies a positive step forward in the government’s efforts to improve administrative efficiency and better serve the citizens of Uganda. This proactive approach reflects the government’s responsiveness to citizen needs and its commitment to fostering a more efficient and effective governance system.
