A Certificate of Identity is a temporary travel document issued by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) under the Ministry of Internal Affairs to Ugandan citizens and foreign nationals who cannot access their national passports in emergency situations. This document enables holders to travel abroad for urgent reasons such as medical treatment, business, or emergencies requiring immediate travel.
It is particularly useful for Ugandans who have lost their passports or foreign residents without immediate access to consular assistance.
How to Apply for a Certificate of Identity in Uganda
Step 1: Visit the Immigration Office
Go to the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control headquarters at Plot 75, Jinja Road, Kampala, or to the nearest Ugandan Embassy or High Commission if applying abroad.
Request the Certificate of Identity application forms (Forms A and B) from the attending immigration officer.
Step 2: Fill in the Application Forms
Read the instructions carefully before filling out Forms A and B. Ensure all sections are correctly completed, and attach the required supporting documents.
Step 3: Prepare the Supporting Documents
Attach the following:
- Duly filled Forms A and B
- Two (2) passport-size photographs
- A covering letter from your Local Council I (LC1) chairperson
- For non-Ugandans: a letter explaining why you cannot access your national travel document
- A photocopy of your Work ID (for recommender)
- An expired Certificate of Identity or expired travel document, if applicable
Step 4: Payment of Application Fee
Pay the required application fee of UGX 30,000 (if applying in Uganda).
If applying abroad, check with the nearest Uganda Embassy or High Commission for applicable fees and payment instructions.
Attach the payment receipt to your application form.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Submit the filled forms and documents to the Passport Control Officer at the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.
Your cover letter must be addressed to:
The Passport Control Officer
Ministry of Internal Affairs
P.O. Box 7165 / 7191, Kampala, Uganda
Step 6: Processing and Verification
The attending officer will verify your details and supporting documents. If your information is found satisfactory, the application is processed and forwarded for approval.
Step 7: Issuance of Certificate
Upon successful verification, you will be issued with a Certificate of Identity, valid for travel purposes as specified by the Directorate.
Required Documents
- Filled Forms A and B
- Two (2) passport-size photos
- Covering letter from LC1 Chairperson
- For non-Ugandans: justification letter for lack of a national passport
- Proof of payment (UGX 30,000)
- Expired certificate of identity or travel document (if applicable)
- Recommender’s photocopy of Work ID and countersigned recommendation
Office Locations & Contacts
Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC)
Head Office:
Plot 75 Jinja Road, Kampala, Uganda
P.O. Box 7165 / 7191, Kampala
Tel: +256 414 595 945
Fax: +256 414 348 707
Email: [email protected]
Website: Ministry of Internal Affairs
If abroad, visit the nearest Uganda Embassy or High Commission for guidance.
Eligibility
- Ugandan citizens who cannot readily access a valid passport.
- Non-Ugandan residents legally in Uganda who cannot obtain or renew their national travel documents in time for emergency travel.
Fees
- Application Fee (Uganda): UGX 30,000
- Application Fee (Abroad): Varies by embassy; consult your local Uganda High Commission.
Validity
The Certificate of Identity is a temporary travel document.
It is typically valid for one year or for the duration of the travel purpose, whichever is shorter.
Processing Time
Processing may take 5 to 7 working days in Uganda and up to two weeks if applied through an embassy abroad, depending on verification time.
Instructions
- Ensure all information provided on the forms is accurate and verifiable.
- Address the covering letter correctly to the Passport Control Officer.
- For non-Ugandans, provide credible justification for lack of a national passport.
- All attached photos must meet ICAO passport photo standards.
Required Information
- Full name of the applicant
- Date and place of birth
- Nationality
- Residential and postal address
- Occupation or profession
- Contact telephone number and email address
- Marital status and spouse’s name (if applicable)
- Reason for applying for the Certificate of Identity
Need for the Document
The Certificate of Identity serves as an emergency travel document that allows individuals without valid passports to travel internationally or return to Uganda. It provides a recognized form of identification during situations where a full passport cannot be issued immediately.
Information Which Might Help
Certificates of Identity are often issued for:
- Repatriation of Ugandan citizens abroad
- Emergency travel for medical treatment or bereavement
- Stateless persons or refugees under Ugandan protection
- Foreign nationals stranded without embassy representation
Applicants are encouraged to regularize their passport applications once their emergency travel needs are resolved.
Other Uses of the Document
- Serves as temporary proof of identity for official or legal purposes.
- Used by immigration authorities to facilitate border clearance in emergency cases.
