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Banyarwanda community in Uganda demands fairness,adherence to constitutional rights

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Banyarwanda community in Uganda demands fairness,adherence to constitutional rights
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The Council for Abavandimwe, representing the Banyarwanda community in Uganda, has condemned the alleged discrimination against its members, particularly regarding citizenship and identification.

During an engagement with the members of the community over the weekend, Frank Gashumba, Chairperson of the Council, called for an end to what he termed the selective application of citizenship laws against members of the Banyarwanda community in Uganda.

Gashumba highlighted the need for fairness and strict adherence to constitutional provisions regarding citizenship rights.

"The Constitution is very clear," he stated.

"Anyone who was in Uganda before independence automatically became a citizen under the 1962 Constitution. The 1995 Constitution reaffirmed this, stating that anyone who was a Ugandan before its commencement remains a citizen. Unfortunately, some immigration officials act otherwise."

He accused officials of deliberately denying members of the Banyarwanda community access to essential legal documents such as national identification cards and passports.

"We have seen cases where names like Kaitare, Mutoni, or Kaitesi are flagged, and applications are dismissed without even hearing from the individuals. This is not only unfair but unconstitutional," Gashumba said.

Gashumba further revealed that the Council for Abavandimwe had engaged President Yoweri Museveni and other government officials on these issues.

"The president assured us that he would issue an executive order to address these injustices. We agreed with the Solicitor General and Attorney General on what should be included in this order, but we are still waiting for action," he said.

He cited examples of individuals who were denied access to bank accounts and other essential services without due process.

The Council for Abavandimwe is advocating for equal treatment under the law and the protection of constitutional rights for all Ugandans, irrespective of their ethnic background.

"We are not asking for favors," Gashumba said. "We are simply demanding fairness and adherence to the rule of law."

Dr. Lawrence Muganga, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, expressed optimism that the anticipated executive order by President Museveni would address the ongoing challenges faced by many Ugandans, including the denial of passports and other identification documents.

Dr. Muganga shared a personal story about his ailing mother, whose expired passport could hinder her access to medical treatment abroad.

"Doctors are doing their best to save her, but if her condition worsens, we may need to take her beyond our borders. Her passport has expired, and I wonder if it will be renewed in time," he questioned.

He emphasised that many Ugandans are unable to seize international opportunities due to bureaucratic delays and expired documents.

"People’s dignity needs to be restored. Discrimination and oppression must be eliminated. This is the country we want to be proud of as citizens," Dr. Muganga said.

He also stressed the importance of collective action and legal guidance in addressing these issues.

"We all need to be in one room, advised by our legal system and lawyers, to ensure the right actions are taken," he added.

Lawyer Haruna Ssewaya revealed that many Banyarwanda face challenges in renewing passports and are often denied on grounds that they are not Ugandan citizens.

"Even those who previously held passports face challenges during renewal, as they are told they are no longer recognised as citizens," Ssewaya explained.

The challenges also extend to national identification documents.

Ssewaya noted that the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has deactivated national IDs without due process, leaving individuals unable to access critical services like renewing driving licenses or acquiring SIM cards.

"Some people only learn their IDs are inactive when they attempt to use them for essential services," he added.

In response, the Council for Abavandimwe has petitioned various offices, including Parliament, under the leadership of Speaker Anita Among.

They have also encouraged affected individuals to appeal decisions to the Immigration Board and NIRA Board or to consider taking legal action in courts.

Ssewaya cited similar cases involving Somalis, where Ugandan citizenship for their parents was contested.

He emphasized the importance of fair hearings and legal procedures to resolve such disputes.

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