Uganda is rolling out electronic signatures across all government ministries, departments and agencies in a bid to clamp down on forged documents and fraudulent transactions that have long plagued public institutions.
The initiative, led by the National Information Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U), is meant to boost digital security, ensure authenticity and rebuild public confidence in official communications.
“Unlike other e-signature platforms where anyone can log on and claim to be you and sign on your behalf, here, for you to log on, you have to be verified by a document issuer who is an authenticated verifier of the government,” said Hatwib Mugasa, executive director of NITA-U.
The system, branded UGPass, requires every user to be authenticated against existing government databases — such as national identity cards and passports — before they can sign or seal a document. Each verified user is issued a digital certificate, allowing every signature to be traced back to its origin.
NITA-U officials describe UGPass as a cornerstone of Uganda’s digital transformation strategy. By reducing reliance on physical paperwork and making document authentication faster and more secure, they say the system will help build a foundation of digital trust across both government and business sectors.
Brenda Maniraguha, the project manager, said the approach is designed to establish digital trust. “UGPass creates a digital profile for each user by drawing on existing government identity databases. These include NIRA and DCIC … ensuring that the person signing is verifiably the same person in government records,” she said.
Officials argue the technology will block the loopholes that for years have allowed fraudsters to circulate fake contracts, approvals and procurement documents. Any sealed or signed document will now be verifiable, authorities say, reducing the risk of counterfeit circulars and inflated payments.
The move comes after a recent case in which suspected fraudsters were arrested for creating a fake government website, forging signatures of senior officials and duping foreign investors.
Uganda’s Auditor General reported in 2023 that the country had lost more than 3 trillion shillings (about $840 million) to procurement-related irregularities across ministries, local governments and state enterprises — much of it linked to forged contracts and approvals.
Officials hope UGPass can help reverse that trend. By replacing slow, paper-based processes with real-time digital signatures, they say, the system could also speed up service delivery.
“It cuts down the time spent on physical paperwork, approvals and manual processes,” said Julian Rweju, the acting director of government services. “It enables real-time signing, reducing bottlenecks in service delivery.”
Rweju added that the new platform is designed not just for government but also for citizens and businesses. “It empowers individuals, businesses and government entities to seamlessly sign and authenticate documents online … eliminating the need for physical presence.”
Mugasa said the government views UGPass as part of a broader digital transformation agenda. “This rigorous verification process enhances trust and security, making UGPass a fast, safe and convenient way for individuals and organizations to sign and seal documents online,” he said.
Authorities acknowledge the rollout will not end fraud overnight. But they believe it is an important step toward a system where digital transactions are secure and citizens have greater control over their data.
