By Caroline.N
Ugandans living in the Nordic region have received a welcome boost following the launch of mobile passport enrolment and National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) services in Gothenburg, Sweden. The initiative, led by the Uganda Embassy in Copenhagen, is part of a broader effort to bring essential consular and civil registration services closer to the growing Ugandan community in Scandinavia.
For many years, Ugandans living in Sweden, Norway and neighbouring countries have faced considerable challenges in accessing key government documents, often travelling long distances to Copenhagen for passport applications or national identification services. The introduction of a mobile-passport system therefore marks a major step forward in easing access to these services and supporting the diaspora’s administrative needs.
The newly deployed mobile-passport machine enables embassy officials to capture biometric details — including fingerprints, photographs and digital signatures — in the same manner as the permanent passport offices in Uganda. Once the data is captured, it is transmitted securely to the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) in Kampala for processing, ensuring that Ugandans abroad can receive timely and reliable documentation without unnecessary travel or expense.
Alongside passport enrolment, NIRA officials were on hand in Gothenburg to offer a full range of registration services. These included birth registration for children born in the diaspora, issuance of National Identification Numbers (NINs), replacement of lost or damaged national IDs and correction of personal biodata. For families with young children, the availability of these services in Sweden was particularly significant, as proper registration is essential for accessing passports, citizenship rights and other government services.
The embassy’s decision to hold the outreach in Gothenburg — a city with a notably vibrant Ugandan community — was informed by growing requests from nationals who needed easier access to these services. Community members expressed appreciation for the embassy’s responsiveness, noting that the outreach reduced not only costs but also the time and logistical hurdles previously associated with travelling to Denmark.
During the event, embassy representatives reaffirmed the government’s long-term commitment to strengthening ties with Ugandans abroad. They highlighted the critical role the diaspora plays in national development, particularly through remittances, investment and skills exchange. Participants were encouraged to keep engaging with the embassy so that similar outreach missions can be organised more frequently and in other Nordic cities.
The initiative also aligns with Uganda’s broader digital transformation agenda, which seeks to modernise public service delivery through secure, technology-driven systems. The launch of the mobile-passport machine is part of Uganda’s transition to enhanced e-passport services, allowing for more efficient processing and adherence to international security standards. Embassy staff used the opportunity to sensitise attendees about recent updates to the passport system and the importance of keeping personal details up to date.
Overall, the provision of mobile-passport and NIRA services in Gothenburg represents a major advancement in serving Uganda’s diaspora with efficiency and consideration. The outreach not only eases access to essential documentation but also signals the government’s recognition of the diaspora’s role and the need to maintain strong, supportive connections.
The embassy has already indicated plans to extend similar services to other parts of the Nordic region, depending on demand. For many Ugandans living abroad, this initiative is more than a convenience — it is a clear demonstration that their government is committed to meeting them where they are and ensuring that they remain fully connected to their homeland.