Government jobs · 4 min read
Certificate of Good Conduct in Uganda: online application, fee and how long it takes
Apply on the Uganda Police site at service.upf.go.ug/certificates. The police notice gives the fee as UGX 76,000 plus 2,300 bank charges, or 3,700 by MTN Mobile Money. It takes 5 working days and lasts six months.
You don't need an agent for a Certificate of Good Conduct, which many people call police clearance. You register on the Uganda Police Force's online platform, fill in the form, pay, and book an appointment to have your fingerprints taken. The fee and timing below come from the police's own notice of 13 November 2024, the newest official statement we could find, so check the amount on the payment screen before you pay.
How much it costs
Official fee: 76,000 Paying through a bank: 76,000 + 2,300 = 78,300 Paying by MTN Mobile Money: 76,000 + 3,700 = 79,700
The totals are our addition. The police platform also lists Airtel Money, VISA, MasterCard, direct bank transfer and PayWay, but the notice doesn't give charges for those. If someone asks you for more than the payment screen shows, they're adding their own fee.
How to apply, step by step
- Open the Uganda Police Force online application platform at service.upf.go.ug/certificates. This is where the Certificate of Good Conduct link in the police website's menu goes.
- Choose Register and create your account. If you already have one, choose Login.
- Fill in the application form for the Certificate of Good Conduct.
- Pay the fee using one of the methods the platform shows, and keep the receipt or payment message.
- Book your fingerprint capture appointment and go on the day you chose.
- Follow your application on the platform. Police say processing takes 5 working days.
One warning about the address. The 2024 notice gives www.upf.go.ug/services, but that address returned a not found page when we tried it on 2 November 2026. The service.upf.go.ug address opened normally that day.
How long it lasts, and when to apply
The police say the certificate is valid for six months from the date it's issued. So don't apply a year ahead. If an advert or a visa office asks for one, check how recent they want it, then count back at least 5 working days plus your fingerprint appointment.
The platform also has a renewal option, so you can start a renewal online when an old certificate runs out.
When something goes wrong
The police set up a help desk for problems with online applications. It's at the Interpol Office in Kololo, Plot 12, Mabua Road, and you can also email Interpol@upf.go.ug.
If your payment went through but the application doesn't show it, take your payment reference with you. Keep your own login details, and don't hand them to anyone offering to help.
Avoid middlemen
The police advise the public to avoid middlemen or brokers when applying. A broker can't take your fingerprints for you, and giving a stranger your National ID details brings its own risk. Police have warned that fraudsters use extra copies of National IDs to register SIM cards without the owner knowing.
The same goes for job offers. If an employer says you must pay them for your clearance or send money to their contact, treat it as a warning sign.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a Certificate of Good Conduct the same as police clearance?
People use both names. The police platform says you can apply for either the Certificate of Good Conduct or Police Clearance from the same place, so choose the one your employer or embassy names.
How long does it take to get a Certificate of Good Conduct in Uganda?
The police say 5 working days, cut from 7. Allow extra time for your fingerprint appointment.
How much is it in 2026?
The newest official figure we found is the notice of November 2024: UGX 76,000 plus 2,300 bank charges or 3,700 by MTN Mobile Money. We found no newer official figure on 2 November 2026.
What documents do I need?
The notice doesn't list them, so we won't guess. The form will ask for what it needs. Have your National ID, a working phone number and an email address you can open before you start.