The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control which, among other things, issues passports, is facing significant challenges that undermine its efficiency, transparency and the fundamental rights of its citizens.
Recent reports highlight the burdensome verification process, the use of irrelevant tests, and the subsequent accumulation of a staggering number of unclaimed passports.
It is imperative that the directorate addresses these issues urgently, improves communication, and learns from other government agencies that handle sensitive documents, such as the ministry of Works and Transport.
Simplifying and making passport acquisition affordable will ensure a fair and accessible system that upholds the rights of all Ugandan citizens.
The current verification process for passport issuance in Uganda is unduly burdensome and fails to reflect the diverse nature of modern society. Demanding applicants to prove their ethnicity, recite clan lineages, or demonstrate fluency in native languages is archaic and discriminatory.
Uganda is a country where inter-ethnic and intercultural marriages are commonplace, and English has become the primary language of communication. Insisting on outdated criteria not only hampers the rights of citizens but also creates unnecessary barriers that promote corruption and illegal means of obtaining passports.
The consequences of the flawed verification process are evident in the alarming number of unclaimed passports, numbering at a staggering 50,000 since 2018. This raises serious questions about the integrity of the system and the communication between the directorate and the applicants.
It is baffling that individuals who have paid substantial amounts to secure their passports would not collect them, suggesting a deeper problem that the directorate has failed to address. This situation calls for transparency on the part of the directorate and a thorough investigation into the reasons behind the unclaimed passports.
The directorate can learn valuable lessons from other government agencies, particularly the Ministry of Works and Transport, which has streamlined the process of obtaining driving permits.
By adopting similar practices, such as instant issuance upon payment and document verification, the directorate can expedite the passport acquisition process. Emphasizing simplicity, affordability and efficiency will lead to greater compliance and reduce the motivation for individuals to resort to illegal means.
Effective communication is crucial for any government agency, especially when dealing with sensitive documents like passports. directorate must invest in clear and comprehensive guidelines for passport applicants, ensuring that the requirements are readily available and easily understandable.
Information should be made accessible through multiple channels, including online platforms, helplines, and physical offices across the country. By enhancing communication and providing adequate support, the directorate can foster trust, deter corruption, and encourage compliance.
The current state of Uganda’s passport issuance process demands urgent reforms. The burdensome verification process, the accumulation of unclaimed passports, and the lack of effective communication are issues that need to be addressed promptly.
The directorate must adapt to the realities of a diverse society, simplify the process, make it affordable, and learn from other government agencies that have successfully streamlined similar procedures.
By doing so, Uganda can establish a fair, transparent and accessible passport issuance system that respects the rights and aspirations of its citizens.
Source: The Observer
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