Kampala — Passport Control officers have been directed to quickly handle all passport applications that have been pending for more than two weeks.

Internal affairs minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda made the directive on Tuesday when he talked to a crowd of people waiting for their passports in a shed at the immigration offices on Jinja Road. Rugunda had gone there to commission four projects.

"Let me greet these people. Why are they so many here?" the minister asked.

After the greeting, he asked the people what they were doing. They answered in unison that they had for a long time failed to get their passports.

Rugunda was shocked to learn that some people had been frequenting the place for over a month.

"Are you telling the truth? How come these people are delayed to that extent? Call me the officer responsible," ordered Rugunda.

Anthony Namara, the deputy passport controller, said applicants are cleared within two weeks but some cases delay if the documentation is incomplete.

In reaction, Rugunda said: "Make sure that you first clear all the people that have been here for more than two weeks before you take on new applications."

He commended the people for being patient and assured them that he would follow up the matter.

Internal affairs ministry headquarters, which also houses the immigration department, is always crowded with people who either want passports or come for renewal of their passports.