By
Otai James
In an official announcement made on October 30, 2023, the Immigration Uganda revealed that their Passport Collection Office located in Kyambogo (formerly known as Face Technologies) is currently facing a temporary service disruption. This disruption is attributed to a damaged fibre optic cable, which has significantly impacted the office’s system. Consequently, the office is unable to issue passports until the issue is resolved.
The incident was made public through the official Immigration Uganda Twitter Account, @DCICUg, stating the cause of the disruption and its consequences. It was mentioned that the damaged fibre optic cable has severely affected their system, rendering them incapable of issuing passports at the Kyambogo office.
The second tweet assured the public that Immigration Uganda is diligently working with relevant agencies to expedite the restoration of normal services at the earliest possible time. The communication also emphasized that once the services are fully restored, the public will be informed accordingly. Furthermore, all individuals who are waiting to collect their passports are advised to remain patient and await the restoration of services.
The disruption of services at the Passport Collection Office in Kyambogo is an inconvenience for both the Immigration Uganda and the public. Although no specific timeline has been provided for when services will be reinstated, the agency has promised to communicate updates to the public as soon as services are fully restored.
This technical challenge serves as a reminder of the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure in various governmental processes, including passport issuance and taxation. It highlights the vulnerability that can arise when such systems face unexpected disruptions, emphasizing the need for robust backup mechanisms and contingency plans to mitigate the impact on citizens and government operations.