Politics 14 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Hundreds of Former Ugandan Officials Overlook Passport Surrender Directive
A significant number of former ministers and Members of Parliament in Uganda are retaining their official diplomatic and service passports despite no longer holding public office, prompting a call for their immediate surrender from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/26-ex-ministers-397-former-mps-fail-to-surrender-official-passports-5496060
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has issued a strong directive for former ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs) to surrender their official passports, with a considerable number still in possession of these documents long after their terms have ended. Reports indicate that 26 former ministers and 397 former MPs have yet to return their diplomatic and service passports, respectively.
While these passports have a 10-year validity, officials emphasize that their use is strictly tied to current official status. The Ministry stated that only three out of 28 dropped ministers have complied, and none of the 397 MPs who lost their seats in the recent general elections have returned their service passports. Immigration officials noted that retaining these passports after leaving office violates established guidelines for official travel documents.
Ministry spokesperson Simon Mundeyi clarified that service passports, typically green for MPs, and diplomatic passports, for senior officials like ministers, are state instruments linked to official responsibilities. Their validity ends with the holder’s tenure, regardless of the passport’s printed expiry date. The Ministry is appealing for voluntary compliance, asserting that they will not resort to forceful recovery.
However, some former officials have raised concerns. One former MP questioned the process of transitioning to ordinary passports, particularly regarding the fate of existing visas and potential re-application fees. Another stated they had not received any formal communication demanding the surrender of their passports.
Despite these concerns, some former leaders acknowledge the potential complications of holding onto official documents. A former legislator noted the need for diplomatic notes when traveling with such passports, which can be inconvenient if no longer entitled. The Ministry of Internal Affairs aims to ensure all government-issued travel documents are held only by currently eligible individuals, aligning with official duties and legal mandates. Transparency and continued engagement are being prioritized for full compliance.