A passport is an official document issued by a government certifying the holder’s identity and citizenship and entitling them to travel under it’s protection to and from foreign countries. The Internal Affairs Ministry revealed last week that out of the 43 million Ugandans ,only 0.0036% have passports.
In an era where the world is no longer seen as a massive unknown expansive territory but rather a global village, few Ugandans have the documents that can enable them enjoy this privilege. The shocking revelation came this week from the government agency responsible for issuing this vital document:
“ Out of the population of approximately 43 million Ugandans, only 1.561 million hold passports and the rest of the Ugandans at 99.87% don’t hold passports. This is very a worrying trend,” said the Ministry Of Internal Affairs Spokesperson, Simon Mundeyi .
Why few Ugandans have Passports
First of all, the process of acquiring a passport has been cited as a factor that puts off many people. The huge lines and delays at the offices make one to not try to acquire a passport or postpone the getting of one.
Poor attitude towards getting a passport. A majority of Ugandans believe one ought to get a passport only and only when travelling abroad. This is wrong. The fact that few have chances of going abroad, they see no meaning in getting a passport.
Furthermore, the presence of con men who impersonate official in charge of issuing passports. A number of people on hearing such stories don’t want the same ordeal to befall them thus not attempting to chase for a passport.
Take action – get a passport soon
One of the other reason that people have for not getting a passport is that it’s expensive, not really :
“ Many say passports are very expensive and can not part with 250,000 just for getting passports….” Mundeyi said.
It’s true this amount may look much to an average Ugandan from a rural setting but when the opportunity presents itself, a chance to travel abroad, one may use more than this money trying to get the passport in time to meet the deadline. Its advisable to get the passport now and wait for the opportunity to come.