Six selected immigration officers have commenced a five-day orientation program at Nile Hotel in Namanve, ahead of their upcoming assignments to international missions.
This training, organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, is aimed at equipping the attaches with the necessary diplomatic skills and knowledge required for their roles at various embassies and missions abroad, ensuring they are well-prepared to effectively assist Ugandans overseas.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, these officers will be officially dispatched next month. Their primary responsibilities will include providing consistent services related to passport and visa issuance, as well as handling other immigration-related matters for Ugandans abroad.
Lt Gen Joseph Musanyufu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, emphasized the importance of such training in preparing individuals for roles in foreign service. “This training, arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is essential to prepare them for their duties at our missions abroad,” he said. “This is the second group of attaches being deployed, and they will handle visa processing, passport services, and work permit issues for Ugandans in the diaspora.”
Lt Gen Musanyufu also stressed the importance of discipline, urging the officers to maintain high standards of conduct and serve as exemplary representatives of Uganda. “As you enter diplomatic service, you will be serving Ugandans from these missions. It’s vital to uphold discipline and represent our country with honor,” he added.
Ambassador Charles Ssentongo, the Acting Director of Protocol, Consular Services, and Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urged the officers to conduct themselves professionally to ensure the smooth operation of the missions. “You must work with professionalism and respect to ensure the mission functions effectively. You will be working under the heads of missions, so our expectation is that you contribute positively to the team and avoid getting involved in any personal conflicts you may encounter. Your primary mission is to provide consular and immigration services, and that is where your performance will be evaluated.”
Arithea Nakiwala, a Senior Immigration Officer, highlighted that passport centers have been established in seven countries to address the concerns of Ugandans who have previously expressed difficulties with the high costs of traveling back to Uganda for passport and visa processing.