The Ministry of Internal Affairs is under scrutiny for its delayed investigation into how some Ugandans have illegally obtained diplomatic passports, which are strictly reserved for diplomats and high-ranking government officials.
Recent attention was drawn to the matter when Rugirwa Katatumba, son of the late businessman Bonney Katatumba, was seen on social media flaunting a diplomatic passport. Despite not holding any diplomatic position, Katatumba is one of several Ugandans seen in possession of such passports. The Ministry has repeatedly summoned him to explain how he obtained the document, but he has not responded.
“We want him to come and explain whose diplomatic passport he was holding. We want to inform the public that not every Ugandan is entitled to a diplomatic passport,” said Simon Mundey, spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Mundeyi added that the Ministry never issued a diplomatic passport to Mr Katatumba, clarifying that he applied for an ordinary passport in 2011, which remains valid until 2031.
This marks the second time Katatumba has been summoned by the Ministry. Last year, the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) cancelled 288 diplomatic passport applications deemed ineligible, highlighting the growing concerns over illegal acquisitions.
On Monday while addressing journalists Mr Mundeyi used this opportunity to educate the public on who qualifies for a diplomatic passport, emphasizing that it is red in colour and limited to top government officials and diplomats. Those eligible include:
The President and members of the First Family, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Chief Justice, Government ministers and their spouses, Judges of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court. Permanent Secretaries of government ministries. Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of Permanent Commissions, such as the Electoral Commission, Amnesty Commission,
Health Service Commission, and Public Service Commission. Recognised and gazetted traditional or cultural leaders and Foreign service officers stationed abroad and their spouses, as well as children under 18 who live with them
“Diplomatic passports are reserved for top government officials. This is a serious matter, and the public must understand that it’s not easy to obtain one,” Mundey stressed.
The issue has raised concerns from opposition figures, with the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Muwada Nkuyingi, warning that diplomatic and service passports are being used by criminals to evade justice. “Even criminals are now hiding under Uganda’s diplomatic passports to avoid arrest and prosecution,” Nkuying said, noting that holders of diplomatic passports often claim immunity in foreign countries, complicating law enforcement efforts.
He further highlighted that the illegal trade of Uganda’s diplomatic passports has led to mistrust from foreign governments, causing stricter visa terms for legitimate passport holders.
In addition to diplomatic passports, the Ministry issues service passports, which are green in color and are also restricted to specific individuals, including; Chancellors and Vice Chancellors of private universities, such as Uganda Christian University (UCU), Kampala International University (KIU), and Victoria University. Members of Parliament.
Heads of government departments, such as commissioners. Members of Permanent Commissions, including the Electoral Commission, Judicial Service Commission, and Health Service Commission. Religious leaders, including the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church, the Archbishop of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Patriarch of the Orthodox Church, and the Supreme Mufti of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and other individuals authorized by the Minister of Internal Affairs.
“The Ministry of Internal Affairs can only issue service passports, not diplomatic ones unless authorized by the Minister,” Mundey clarified.
With the probe into Mr Katatumba’s case still ongoing, there are growing calls for tighter oversight to prevent further abuse of Uganda’s diplomatic passport system.
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