By Stephen Kalema
The Ministry of Internal Affairs is to start using national identity cards as the only requisite for passport processing.
According to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Internal affairs, Benon Mutambi, passport applicants possessing valid national identity cards will no longer need any recommendations from the local leaders since every data will been on the national identity cards.
“We shall use details from National Identification Registration Authority ( NIRA) database. However, applicants will only fill in a shorter application form from Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control head offices or submit their details online,” Mutambi confirmed on Wednesday, saying that this comes about after the successful integration with NIRA.
According to Mutambi, national ID data is more comprehensive and clear about the holder than the local council authorities.
“We have seen many systems using national identity cards as an entry such as telecom companies and banks so it’s high time the ministry upgrades to another level. Many people spend time looking for these local authorities but this will save time we don’t need any signature from local council.”
According to Mutambi the new development was part of reforms aimed to improve competence in the handling of government documents including passports and eliminate fraud through limiting many human interface in document processing.
This new development is to start next year.
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