26 ex-ministers, 397 ex-MPs still hold official passports

At least 26 former ministers and 397 former Members of Parliament in Uganda are still holding diplomatic and service passports after their terms ended. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has ordered them to return the documents, warning of potential issues at airports if they do not comply. Only three of the 28 ministers dropped in a recent cabinet reshuffle have returned their diplomatic passports. The 397 MPs who lost their seats in the 2026 General Elections have not returned their service passports. The Ministry emphasizes that official passports are only valid during active service. Immigration officials stated the action targets individuals who no longer qualify for official travel documents. A Ministry spokesperson confirmed that some former ministers have returned their passports, and ordinary ones are being issued. The same process is being carried out for MPs who still hold service passports. The passport system differentiates between service passports for MPs and diplomatic passports for senior officials.

This highlights the government's effort to enforce regulations on official travel documents and ensure compliance after public officials leave their roles.