The Ugandan Directorate of Immigration is currently grappling with a storage dilemma due to a significant backlog of uncollected passports. Across five centers located in Kampala, Jinja, Gulu, Mbarara, and Mbale, more than 50,000 passports, some as old as 2018, remain untouched.

Simon Mudenyi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, has voiced serious concerns over this issue. The sheer volume of unclaimed passports has led to a storage shortage, severely hampering the Directorate’s ability to process new applications efficiently.

Communication hurdles present a significant challenge. Many passport holders are unreachable due to inactive phone numbers or failed attempts at delivering messages. This communication breakdown has made it challenging for authorities to notify individuals about their unclaimed passports. Additionally, the recent addition of 2,000 unclaimed passports from 2024 has compounded the problem. To address this backlog and facilitate smooth processing for new applicants, the public is strongly urged to collect their passports promptly. Mudenyi emphasizes that the passport collection process is straightforward and encourages holders to come forward without delay.

Efforts are underway within the Directorate of Immigration to improve communication channels and expedite the retrieval of unclaimed passports. However, immediate action is necessary to alleviate the strain on resources and prevent further escalation of the situation.