Lira, Uganda | The Ministry of Internal Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to decentralising immigration services across the country, following the conclusion of a two-day sensitisation and awareness campaign in Lira City.
The exercise, held on 28–29 August 2025 at the Mayor’s Garden, was organised by the Lira Immigration Office and attracted more than 700 residents.
It provided information on passport applications, visas, residence permits, citizenship verification, and the handling of illegal immigration cases.
Officials said the initiative is part of a nationwide effort to ease congestion at central offices in Kampala and Gulu and bring services closer to communities.
Deputy Immigration Officer for Lira, Ecun Emmanuel, said the outreach helped clarify procedures on passport applications and replacements for lost or damaged documents, as well as broader immigration requirements.
Lira District Deputy RDC, Abang Beatrice Molly Kia, encouraged residents to maximise the opportunity, adding that officers from Kampala and Gulu were available throughout the programme to provide expert guidance.
Clan leaders in attendance, however, pressed for a permanent immigration office in the Lango subregion.
Speaking on their behalf, Sam Okeng, Clan Head of Okide-Me-Ogole, said mobile services are useful but inadequate, as residents still bear the cost of long trips to Kampala.
Local business figures echoed the demand, Harriet Amongin, a trader in Lira, said a regional office would cut the cost of travel and time lost when seeking travel documents.
Gulu Immigration Officer Ameny George Owalinga said the outreach was designed to improve public understanding of immigration services, stressing that decentralisation remains a key goal of the Ministry.
The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control is mandated to issue passports, visas, residence permits, and travel documents, verify Ugandan citizenship, and manage investigations into illegal immigration.
Officials confirmed that more sensitisation campaigns will be rolled out in other regions to support improved service delivery.
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