Government unveils first batch of E-Passports

The Internal Affairs Minister Gen Jejje Odongo on Tuesday launched the first batch of Electronic passports (E-passports), a fortnight after they were announced as the next form of travel document for Ugandan nationals.

While launching the passports at the ministry headquarters, the minister revealed that 24,000 passports are ready for collection, in the first step towards transiting to E-passports.

He explained that the new passports, which have better security features and will be easier to use. The new passport possesses better security features and is capable of storing holders’ data in a chip embedded within it.

Odongo said that issuing of the new passports will start in 2021. This will see Uganda joining a growing list of countries switching to the more secure E-passports
“It brings us now into the family of the world as demanded by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). We are now compliant. We are part of the family of the 150 plus countries that now issue and travel with E-passport documents.

Government is moving to phase out the current type of passports by the end of January 2021 which is the deadline set by the six East African countries.

“The old passports will still be valid for another two years from now so you can still travel with it. But if you in the meantime wish to change, it’s up to you,” Gen Odongo said.

However, the new E-passports will be more expensive to obtain. An ordinary E-passport will cost Shs250, 000. The ones in use currently cost Shs150, 000 while official and democratic passports cost Shs200, 000 and Shs400, 000 respectively.