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Minister Babalanda officially opened the e-Passport system at the Ugandan High Commission in Ottawa, Canada. The event marked the Ugandan government’s commitment to providing services to Ugandans residing abroad.

Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, Minister of Presidency with other government officials during the commissioning of E-Passport system at Uganda’s High Commission in Canada

The Ugandan High Commission in Ottawa, Canada, on 4th November 2023 officially opened the e-Passport system thanks to the efforts of Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, Minister of Presidency.

Hon. Babalanda commended the Uganda Security Printing Company, Veridos GmbH, the High Commission, and the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) for reaching this significant milestone in Uganda’s endeavor to enhance service delivery at the launch.

“This event demonstrates the NRM Government’s dedication to providing services to Ugandans residing abroad,” the spokesperson stated.

According to the Minister, the German Consortium of Veridos GmbH and G&D GmbH and the Government of Uganda inked a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) in 2018. According to her, the JVA led to the creation of the USPC Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).

As the largest stakeholder, the Government required USPC to create and provide all security documents along with the related IT support system for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

Hon. Babalanda disclosed that the National Identity Cards and passports were among the important papers that constituted the business case for this JVA.

“USPC and DCIC inked an ePassport System supply agreement in November 2018 with a 15-year term of performance. The supply of ePassport blank booklets, the supply and rollout of the ePassport system to regional offices in Uganda (Mbarara, Gulu, and Mbale) and seven foreign missions (London, Abu Dhabi, Copenhagen, Ottawa, Washington, Pretoria, and Beijing) are the three main deliverables for USPC under this contract. The construction of an ePassport personalization building is also included.”

Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, Minister of Presidency, H.E Joy Ruth Acheng, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Canada, Gen. David Muhoozi, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs and other Ugandan government officials at Uganda’s High Commission in Canada

“Nevertheless, I’m happy to let you know that all three of the major deliverables have now been finished in my capacity as USPC’s overall political supervisor.”

“Honorable Minister, I am aware that as of right now, USPC has provided DCIC with about a million passport booklets, the three regional offices have been finished, and seven foreign missions have already implemented the ePassport system. We’re here today to formally commission Ottawa, whose work was finished last year but which hasn’t been officially handed off.”

She addressed Gen. David Muhoozi, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, who was also there.

“I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the leadership of DCIC whose cordial and supportive working relationship has enabled USPC to realize this performance,” she said.

Honorably, Major Gen. Apollo Gowa Kasiita, the Director of DCIC, Brigadier Johnson Namanya, Miss Julia Ikiso, and her staff were all recognized for their excellent project management.

“Major Gen. Gowa, I hope that, as you are also a member of the NIRA Board of Directors, the positive attitude shown by DCIC will be mirrored on the NIRA side as well, so that success is documented in every project that USPC is managing,” said Hon. Babalanda.

“I also want to express my gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the leadership of our High Commission in Ottawa for agreeing to welcome us and for their enthusiastic involvement throughout the entire process. Much obliged, Madam High Commissioner”.

Nonetheless, in order for USPC to fulfill the purposes for which it was established, the Minister urged all relevant parties to lend their support.

E-Passport system has been commissioned at Uganda’s High Commission in Canada

As a result, the expectations of the stakeholders are now better managed. Over the past 24 months, she saw that USPC has increased its workforce and appointed new board members, strengthening its leadership and ability to address client problems.

“During the same time frame, I also saw the Security Printing Factory in Entebbe come into operation, which will create all government security documents. We have gathered once more to observe the official “go live” of the ePassport System in Ottawa, which signifies the government of Uganda’s commitment to providing effective and efficient services to its inhabitants through government agencies such as DCIC and USPC.”

She went on to thank DCIC for its ongoing assistance to USPC, noting that the latter’s revenue has been largely derived from the former up to this point.

“The tremendous assistance from DCIC has allowed USPC to accomplish all of its advancements and successes. Thus, I humbly ask that you provide NIRA the same oversight once more in order to accomplish the same goals. I truly need your coordinated cooperation on this issue, Hon. Minister, Lt. Gen. Joseph Musanyufu (Permanent Secretary of Internal Affairs Ministry), and Maj. Gen. Gowa,” said Hon. Babalanda.

She said, “You will understand that the more businesses we give to USPC, the easier it will be for the Government to finish the Security Printing Factory, create jobs for our people, lessen the loss of foreign exchange, achieve economic independence, and ultimately contribute to our nation’s development agenda.”

Officials from USPC, Veridos GmbH, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ugandan Community in Canada were also present at the ceremony.