In Uganda, Online Passport Applications Surge Despite Border Closure

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has registered a surge in online passport applications, Chimp Corps report.

Officials at the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration say the rise in applications is overwhelming.

They’re also wondering about the cause, considering coronavirus controls eliminate foreign travels.

“We have had a large number of people asking for passports, But we don’t know where they want to go,” Jacob Siminyu, the ministry spokesperson, said in a routine security briefing Friday.

In an earlier briefing, UPDF spokesman Brig. Richard Karemire said the defense force was planning a heavier deployment to plug all porous points across borders following a rise in smuggling.

Meanwhile, Mr Siminyu said though internet system can facilitate applications, appointments are not possible due to suspension of person to person contacts.

“Ugandans are free to apply but making appointment is hard because the calendars are not available until Covid19 situation is corrected,” he said

Security agencies remain on high alert as people take desperate measures to continue in business as financial pain caused by the virus lockdown soars.

This week agencies arrested at least 41 people from borders, as they smuggled food items to Kenya.

In other regions such as Kampala Metropolitan Area, police impounded 191 motorcycles who flaunted the presidential directives of parking at 2pm.