Banyarwanda Citizenship Claimants Umubano Reject Presidential Directive

The Ugandan-Banyarwanda Cultural Development Association, known by their acronym as Umubano, has rejected a directive by President Museveni on citizenship rights, labelling it discriminatory and unconstitutional.
The directive, passed during a recent meeting at State House Entebbe, limits recognition of Ugandan-Banyarwanda citizenship to individuals from Kisoro, Ntungamo, Mpororo, and those born of intermarriages, leaving out significant clusters within the community.
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Umubano, represented by Chairperson Simon Kayitana and legal counsel Mukasa Mbidde, criticised the order as a violation of both Ugandan constitutional law and international human rights conventions.
“This proposed executive order is not only unconstitutional but also violates international conventions to which Uganda is a signatory,” said Mbidde during a press briefing.
“We are prepared to seek redress at the East African Court of Justice. Ugandan-Banyarwanda have historically been a recognised part of this country, and we will not allow selective recognition to divide us.”
The Banyarwanda citizenship claimants also rejected the directive’s recommendation that some members apply for naturalization, asserting that the Banyarwanda community has no other citizenship outside Uganda.
Kayitana emphasized, “The Banyarwanda community has no other home outside Uganda. This proposed order directly violates our rights, and we will not stand for it.”
Umubano has launched initiatives to advocate for their rights, including a signature collection campaign aimed at petitioning for an amendment to Article 10 of the Constitution.
The event is scheduled for Sunday, January 27, at Speke Hotel, Kampala.
The association has outlined the five clusters of Banyarwanda in Uganda, including:
- Those born in districts outside Kisoro, Ntungamo, and Mpororo, such as Rakai, Kyotera, Sembabule, and Kyankwanzi.
- Migrants from the 1930 influx.
- Those who arrived in 1934.
- The 1950s group that fled political turmoil before Uganda’s independence, whose citizenship was erased by the 1995 Constitution.
- Refugees from the 1994 Rwandan conflict, the only group eligible for naturalization under the proposed directive.
Mbidde highlighted the historical and cultural significance of these clusters, stressing the need for equal recognition.
The proposed executive order has sparked national debate over citizenship and identity, with UMUBANO urging the government to reconsider its stance. While the group is open to dialogue, they remain prepared to pursue legal action if necessary.
“This is a fight for inclusivity and equal recognition for all clusters of Ugandan-Banyarwanda,” said Mbidde.
As discussions continue, the controversy underscores the importance of addressing identity and citizenship with fairness and inclusivity.