A group of individuals of Rwandan origin residing in Uganda, known as the Ugandan Banyarwanda Cultural Development Association (Umubano), has made a public appeal to gain recognition and citizenship status within the country. At a recent media briefing, they expressed their hope that their appeal could be addressed through an amendment to the Ugandan Constitution.
Umubano proposed the introduction of a bill, tentatively named the ‘Banyarwanda and Other Roving Community Management Bill, 2024’, which they suggest should be presented before Parliament to address their concerns.
One member, Christopher Muhumuza, shared his personal experiences to illustrate the challenges faced by individuals within the Banyarwanda community. He recounted instances where he faced discrimination when attempting to obtain a Ugandan passport, solely based on his appearance. Despite being born in Uganda and having a strong connection to the country, he encountered difficulties due to his ethnic background.
Article 10 of the 1995 Ugandan Constitution outlines criteria for citizenship by birth, primarily focusing on individuals with ancestral ties to indigenous communities residing within Uganda since February 1, 1926. However, Umubano members argue that the current provisions do not adequately address the realities faced by the Banyarwanda community, particularly those who arrived in Uganda after the specified date.
Responding to Umubano’s concerns, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of the issues raised, noting that not all Banyarwanda individuals in Uganda face identical challenges.
Umubano’s chair, Simon Kaitana, highlighted the difficulty in proving the Banyarwanda community’s presence in Uganda since 1926, leading to their marginalization in accessing essential services such as passports and national identity cards. Despite being recognized as an ethnic group in the Constitution, they continue to encounter discrimination and barriers to citizenship.
Fred Mukasa Mbidde, a lawyer representing Umubano, acknowledged the existing limitations within the Constitution regarding citizenship criteria. He emphasized the need to rectify these shortcomings through constitutional amendments, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable approach to citizenship that transcends ethnic considerations.
