Gemalto, a global digital security company, in cooperation with SCINTL, a technology solution company, has been awarded the contract for the supply of a Border Management System (BMS) including airport self-service eKiosks at Entebbe Airport, Uganda, creating a faster and more convenient border-crossing experience for travellers whilst strengthening homeland security.
The said e-Immigration solution uses Gemalto's state-of-the-art fingerprint and facial recognition technology, combined with a passport scan to ensure swift and accurate identification of passengers leaving the country. It is built on the Gemalto Visa Management System (VMS) that was first deployed in 2014 by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC), part of Uganda's Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Entebbe International Airport, servicing Uganda's capital, Kampala, welcomed over 1.5 million travellers in 2017, and the new eKiosks will further boost its capacity to handle the growing number of business and leisure visitors heading to Uganda. Once implementation of the e-Immigration solution is completed in 2019, passengers will enjoy the option of a fast, self-guided pathway through border control, whilst authorities are provided with comprehensive, real-time data on departures from Uganda.
Gemalto is an established technology partner for DCIC. The existing VMS combines applications, processing and issuance for all pre-paid visas and permits, and incorporates a secure and convenient online portal, and biometric enrolment facilities in foreign missions and on arrival in the country.
General Jeje A. Odongo, Minister of Internal Affairs for the Ugandan Government said: “The new Automated Border Control (ABC) Solution marks the latest step forward in the modernisation, enhancement of security of border control management in Uganda, delivering important benefits for visitors and citizens alike.”
“Rapid growth in international air travel is going hand in hand with profound cross-border threats such as terrorism, illegal immigration and organised crime," said Thierry Mesnard, VP Sales Africa for Gemalto. "With the introduction of advanced automated kiosks at Entebbe Airport, the Ugandan authorities are once again demonstrating their commitment to addressing all these challenges.”
SCINTL will provide local support and know-how for a solution that encompasses supply, installation and maintenance. Cephas T. Bushuyu, Managing Director for SCINTL, added: “Overseas visitors are playing a key role in Uganda's economic development, and many will now enjoy the option of a safe, fast-track border crossing experience.”
