Kampala, (UG):- The Ministry of Internal Affairs is yet to investigate how some Ugandans have acquired diplomatic passports, which are reserved exclusively for top officials raising red concerns over integrity and unfairness by the immigration department.
Earlier this month, Mr Rugiirwa Katatumba, son of the late businessman Bonney Katatumba, was filmed on social media flaunting an alleged diplomatic passport. He is one of the individuals who have appeared in several displays online showing how they have obtained the diplomatic document.
Mr Simon Mundeyi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, last week explained that Mr Katatumba had been summoned to come and explain how he obtained the passport, but he has yet to respond.
“We asked him to come and explain how he got a diplomatic passport, but to date, he has not reported to the public that nothing has been done about it,” Mundeyi told local publication, Monitor, last week.
This is the second time the ministry has summoned Mr. Katatumba, but he has yet to respond. Last year, the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) cancelled 288 applications for diplomatic passports due to ineligibility.”
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, diplomatic passports are reserved for officials such as the President and First Lady, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the Chief Justice, Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Governors, and Chancellors, along with their children under the age of 18 living abroad.
Now in the aftermath of the delayed investigation into the fraud, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Nkunyingi Muwada has raised concerns about individuals using diplomatic and service passports for criminal activities.
“Even criminals are now hiding under Uganda’s diplomatic passports to avoid arrest and prosecution. Holders of diplomatic passports in foreign countries are presumed to have diplomatic immunity and can only be expelled,” Hon Muwada said.
The Kyadondo East Legislator also highlighted that the illegal trade in Uganda’s diplomatic passports has led to mistrust and complications for legitimate officials trying to travel. “Many countries have now imposed strict measures on Ugandans who travel with diplomatic and service passports due to these anomalies,” he added.
These issues have prompted the Minister for Internal Affairs, Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafire, to direct the Directorate of Immigration to investigate individuals like Mr. Katatumba, who were found in possession of diplomatic passports.
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