news 10 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
West Nile Region Gains First Passport Centre in Arua
The Internal Affairs Ministry has launched the inaugural passport processing centre in Arua city, serving the West Nile region and eliminating the need for residents to travel to Gulu or Kampala. The efficient process allows passports to be obtained in 4-7 days after online application and enrolment. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/west-nile-gets-first-passport-centre-5419082
Residents of West Nile have long struggled with high costs and long journeys to Gulu or Kampala for passports. The opening of the first passport centre in Arua city on Thursday marks a major relief, streamlining access for the entire region.
Jamal Andama, secretary of the Arua Chamber of Commerce and Industry, shared past hardships: trips to Kampala often took a year amid complex procedures and scams, inflating expenses. He praised the new centre, noting his family secured passports in just four days through its efficient, professional service.
The process is straightforward—apply online, visit for biometric enrolment, await processing, and collect the passport from the same office within 4 to 7 days.
Julia Ikaso, project manager at the National Citizenship and Immigration Control, urged local leaders to educate communities on using the regional facility to cut travel costs and time.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)