SOROTI CITY: Security agencies in Eastern Uganda have intensified investigations into a suspected illegal passport racket after East Kyoga Regional Police recovered an additional 264 Ugandan passports in Soroti City, bringing the total number of passports seized to 525 within days.
The latest recovery follows a Sunday operation in which police arrested one suspect and impounded 261 passports in Soroti City East Division.
Authorities have now arrested two more suspects to assist with ongoing investigations.
Police say the recovered passports were found in suspicious circumstances, raising concerns over possible trafficking, illegal recruitment schemes, identity fraud, or organized document smuggling.
According to security sources in the East Kyoga policing region, detectives are working to establish:
Investigators are also examining whether the passports were being assembled for bulk processing for overseas labor recruitment or other unauthorized travel arrangements.
Ugandan passports are government property issued through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Unauthorized possession of multiple passports without lawful authority constitutes a criminal offense.
The recovery has sparked wider concerns about the growing cases of fraudulent overseas job recruitment and human trafficking networks targeting vulnerable Ugandans, particularly youth seeking employment abroad.
Security officials have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid handing over personal travel documents to unverified agents or brokers promising quick travel opportunities.
The suspects currently in custody are expected to face charges related to illegal possession of government documents, suspected fraud, and conspiracy, pending completion of investigations.
Police have indicated that more arrests could follow as the probe widens.
Authorities have assured the public that all recovered passports will be verified and rightful owners contacted where necessary.
The investigation remains ongoing.
