The Ugandan Banyarwanda Cultural Development Association has announced plans for a series of consultations throughout Uganda to address the citizenship issues facing the Banyarwanda community.
Chairperson Owek. Simon Kayitana highlighted the initiative’s focus on advocating for amendments to the Citizenship Identification and Management Bill 2024.
The consultations aim to raise awareness and build support for updating citizenship regulations that the association argues currently exclude over six million Kinyarwanda-speaking Ugandans from recognised citizenship due to outdated constitutional provisions.
The campaign will involve engagement with key cultural institutions, including leaders from the Buganda, Tooro, Bunyoro, and Busoga kingdoms.
The association proposes changing the historical cut-off date in Article 10 of Uganda’s constitution from February 1, 1926, to October 9, 1962, the date of Uganda’s independence.
Additionally, the amendment seeks to include international principles like jus soli (citizenship by birth) and jus sanguinis (citizenship by descent) for individuals born in Uganda.
“This law should recognise all individuals with Ugandan heritage, irrespective of historical contexts,” Kayitana emphasised.
Plans for further consultations with representatives from the European Union, United Nations, British High Commission, and U.S.
Embassy are in progress, culminating in a public hearing scheduled for December 1, 2024, at Kololo Independence Grounds. Kayitana encouraged all Ugandans to support the proposed changes, stating, “Uganda’s citizenship laws should uphold the dignity and identity of all its communities.”
The association’s advocacy efforts have gained substantial support, with numerous members of the Banyarwanda community participating in initial consultations and expressing optimism for a just resolution that affirms their right to Ugandan citizenship.