SIGNED COPY (1)
By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: President Museveni’s recent executive order signed on 23rd January, 2025 aims to safeguard the citizenship rights of Ugandans, particularly the Banyarwanda community, who have faced challenges in obtaining identification documents.The directive addresses administrative irregularities and discriminatory practices in issuing passports and national identity cards.
The President’s decision comes after consistent complaints from Banyarwanda individuals born and raised in Uganda led by Council for Abavandimwe, who claimed to have experienced human rights violations when applying for identification documents. Despite being Ugandan citizens, they were denied passports and national identity cards.
President Museveni clarified that the issue of citizenship is resolved under Chapter 3 of the 1995 Constitution, which provides for three types of citizenship: by birth, registration, and naturalization. He emphasized that the challenge lies not in the law itself but in its administration, particularly regarding proof of citizenship for passport applicants.
The executive order directs that every Ugandan citizen has the right to a passport or travel document and to enter, leave, and return to Uganda. It also stipulates that officials should only require applicants to produce their National Identification Number (NIN) and comply with other prescribed requirements.
Key aspects of the executive order include:
*Citizenship by Birth*: Immigration officials must presume citizenship unless they have reliable evidence to contradict the applicant’s information.
*Administrative Processes*: All processes must uphold the dignity of applicants and not require documentation beyond what is prescribed by law.
*National Identity Cards*: The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control should not confiscate or cancel National Identity cards without following due process.
The President has also directed the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Attorney General to address the anomaly of not according automatic citizenship to children of citizens by birth and naturalization.
Team from Council for Abavandimwe at State House, Entebbe/Courtesy Photo.