The Uganda Banyarwanda Development Cultural Association (UMUBANO) has rejected a parliamentary report by the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, calling its recommendations discriminatory.
The report, released in October 2024, proposed that Banyarwanda unable to trace their Ugandan lineage should apply for naturalization, effectively treating them as non-citizens.
It also advised those dissatisfied with decisions from the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) and the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to seek legal recourse.
Simon Kayitana, chairman of UMUBANO’s Task Force, criticized the report as unjust and called for its withdrawal.
“Recommending naturalization for Ugandan Banyarwanda undermines our rights as Ugandans by birth,” Kayitana said.
The group is pushing for constitutional reforms, advocating for the adoption of jus soli (citizenship by birth) to ensure anyone born in Uganda is recognized as a citizen, irrespective of ancestry.
They argue that the current system, which prioritizes lineage, marginalizes communities like the Banyarwanda.
Fred Mukasa Mbidde, Vice President of the Democratic Party, also condemned the legal framework as contrary to Uganda’s principles of inclusivity.
“This is about fairness and eliminating ethnic discrimination in our laws. Parliament must amend this provision,” Mbidde stated.
UMUBANO criticized the parliamentary committee for failing to engage directly with affected communities, accusing it of conducting superficial investigations.
The association called for public hearings to address the grievances and foster mutual understanding.
Warning against the dangers of politicizing citizenship issues, UMUBANO emphasized that ethnic divisions can lead to broader conflicts.
The group vowed to continue advocating for equal rights and recognition for all Ugandan communities, urging policymakers to uphold justice and unity.