By Peter Ssebulime
There has been an increase in cases of forgery and fraudulent activities according to the ministry of Internal Affairs, which are being committed by unscrupulous individuals, purporting to offer their services to the general public.
Addressing the Media on Monday morning at the ministry’s offices in Kampala, the Director Citizenship and immigration Major General Apollo Kasiita, said they arrested two suspects and recovered several forged documents, seals and stamps for various ministries, Agencies, Banks and universities.
“The public should note that the directorate of citizenship and immigration control does not work with agents or dealers. All forged documents including forged payment receipts and verification printouts submitted to support all applications for our services shall be confiscated and subjected to investigations by police” Kasiita said
Kasiita warned the general public against seeking services from those unscrupulous individuals in the processing and payment of fees for their services.
He said it is a serious crime under the immigration penal code Act to misrepresent oneself by making false statements or submitting false documents.
He however encouraged citizens to first review the application requirements and procedures so that they get to know what to expect, when to expect it and from whom.
“They must ensure that all documents are genuine before they contact any of our DCIC staff and know that most of the services we offer do attract statutory fees, which must be paid in a designated commercial bank before the service is offered,” Kasiita added.
Some of the documents confiscated include; Passports, official stamps, travel documents etc.
In addition, Kasiita warned the applicants found to be with forged documents that they will be rejected and may face more serious consequences, including revocation of their residencies or citizenship status, being charged in court or deportation from Uganda if they are foreigners.
