Government rolls out mobile passport units, clarifies visa-free travel and online application process

3 March 2026, 1:27 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has introduced Mobile Passport Units to assist Ugandans who are unable to physically visit passport offices for interviews and biometric capture.

Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre, the ministry spokesperson, Simon Mundeyi, said the new initiative is aimed at supporting sick and vulnerable individuals who cannot travel to the ministry premises. The mobile units will facilitate passport interviews and fingerprint capture at convenient locations such as hospitals.

“We have moved another step in creating solutions for people who cannot come to the ministry for passport interviews and biometric capture. The Mobile Passport Units will help those who are sick to access passport services from where they are,” Mundeyi said.

He urged Ugandans applying for passports to avoid using brokers, emphasizing that the online application process is straightforward and accessible.

“It is very easy to apply for a passport online. There is no need to use middlemen,” he noted.

Mundeyi also dismissed as false a viral TikTok video alleging that the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi, disrespected the President and the Chief of Defence Forces. He called on the public to disregard the misinformation circulating on social media.

The spokesperson further revealed that the ministry has established passport centres in several countries abroad, enabling Ugandans in the diaspora, including those in the United States, to access services more conveniently. He, however, acknowledged that ongoing instability in the United Arab Emirates has affected some Ugandans working there.

On travel matters, Mundeyi clarified that Uganda has visa-free arrangements with several countries, including Kenya, the United Republic of Tanzania, Rwanda, Eswatini, Hong Kong, Botswana, The Gambia, Malawi, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Zimbabwe, among others. He added that negotiations are ongoing to expand the list of visa-free destinations.

However, he emphasized that even when traveling to visa-free countries, Ugandans must meet standard travel requirements, such as holding a passport valid for at least six months and having confirmed accommodation bookings.

Mundeyi also outlined the various travel documents issued by Uganda, including the ordinary (green) passport, diplomatic (red) passport, certificate of identity, temporary movement permit, and the National Identification Card. He explained that the temporary movement permit, which costs Shs10,000, is only valid for travel to neighbouring countries.

The ministry encouraged Ugandans to follow official procedures and rely on verified information when seeking passport and travel services.