Kampala, (UG):- The Ministry of Internal Affairs has advised Ugandans blocked by Rwanda and Kenya over expired National Identity Cards to use passports or apply for a Certificate of Identity to solve the travel impasse.
The development was confirmed by the Spokesperson of the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) under the Ministry, Mr Simon Peter Mundeyi during a Monday press briefing where he was responding to one Baker Ssenyonga who was blocked for nearly two hours at the Busia border point as he headed to Mombasa because his National ID had expired barely two months ago.
Despite his explanation that the Ugandan government had extended the validity of the National IDs by one year, the Kenyan authorities did not listen. “I even had a copy of the gazette in which the minister for Internal Affairs extended the validity of our National IDs, but I was not listened to,” Ssenyonga narrated.
“I was put aside as other travellers proceeded. I was given two alternatives: to pay for a travel pass or to travel back to my home area. I opted for the travel pass because I was going for something very important.”
In response to Ssenyonga’s situation, Mr Mundeyi said similar complaints have been raised by Ugandans blocked by Kenyan and Rwandan authorities over expired National IDs but advised those affected to consider obtaining a passport or a certificate of identity as they wait on the renewal of the national IDs.
“The face value of these National IDs has expired, and they are being rejected by authorities across the border. We advise travellers to use passports. Those who do not have passports can apply for a Certificate of Identity at 40,000 shillings. It is acceptable in all EAC and COMESA countries,” Mr Mundeyi said.
The certificate of identity which is obtained at a fee of Shs 40,000 also serves as a national identification document and is acceptable in all EAC and COMESA countries, according to Mr Mundeyi.
This publication understands many Ugandans acquired National IDs in 2014 during the tenure of the late Gen. Aronda Nyakayirima as Minister for Internal Affairs, but some of them have had their IDs expire in September and October.
However, though, Mr Mundeyi gave hope to Ugandans reiterating Minister Otafiire’s comments that the mass renewal of National IDs will commence once all the necessary equipment for installing unique features, like facial recognition, has been put in place.
“We urge Ugandans to participate in the upcoming mass renewal of National IDs. Most of the National IDs have expired. You are all aware that MIA released the document extending these National IDs. When the mass renewal begins, go to NIRA and ensure that your National ID is renewed,” he said.
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