Imagine walking into a government office, ready to apply for a passport or ID, and being met with a barrage of questions doubting your Ugandan citizenship. Frustrating, right?
Well, it turns out that such complaints have been reaching the President's desk often enough to prompt action.
Enter the new Executive Order issued on January 23, 2025.
This directive aims to clarify, streamline, and, most importantly, simplify the process of obtaining identification documents for Ugandan citizens.
It’s a big deal because it touches on something we all value, our identity and rights as Ugandans.
The Constitution of Uganda, under Chapter 3, recognizes three main paths to citizenship: by birth, registration, or naturalization.
Citizenship by birth applies to anyone born to Ugandan parents, while registration might include someone married to a Ugandan or a child adopted by Ugandan parents.
Naturalization, on the other hand, is for those who have lived in Uganda long enough and meet specific legal criteria.
Sounds straightforward, right? But for many, proving their citizenship when applying for a passport or national ID has been anything but simple. The new Executive Order changes this.
It sets clear, citizen-friendly guidelines to address complaints about unnecessary demands for documents and harsh treatment from officials.
For example, immigration officers are now required to assume you’re a citizen if you claim to be one, unless they have solid evidence to prove otherwise.
This shifts the burden of proof from you to the authorities. If there’s a problem with the information you provide, the responsibility to investigate lies with the officials, not you.
Another significant change is that the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control can no longer confiscate or cancel your national ID without following proper legal procedures.
Any concerns about your documents must first go through the National Identification and Registration Authority.
This ensures due process and protects citizens from arbitrary actions.
When it comes to proving your citizenship, the directive also simplifies the requirements.
Documents like a birth certificate, voter’s card, driving permit, or baptism certificate are enough.
If you don’t have these, a relative can vouch for you under oath through a statutory declaration.
For those struggling with documentation, local leaders like LC1 chairpersons or Resident District Commissioners can step in to issue letters supporting your application.
Their recommendations, backed by notable elders or community leaders, add credibility to your claim.
Perhaps one of the most critical aspects of the directive is its emphasis on equality. Your tribe, ethnicity, or community cannot be used against you during the application process.
The rules apply equally to everyone, reinforcing Uganda’s commitment to fairness and unity.
Interestingly, the Executive Order also highlights a peculiar legal gap. As it stands, children born to Ugandan citizens by birth and naturalization are not automatically considered citizens.
The President has directed the Attorney General and the Minister of Internal Affairs to address this anomaly, ensuring it is resolved without delay.
At its core, this directive isn’t just about passports or national IDs—it’s about dignity.
It’s about ensuring that every Ugandan, no matter their background, has a fair chance to access essential services.
For those who’ve faced long delays, been met with suspicion, or felt alienated by the system, this order is a beacon of hope.
The real challenge now lies in its implementation. Will officials follow through on these directives? Will everyday Ugandans feel the impact of these changes? Time will tell.