President Museveni Issues Executive Order To Streamline Passport And ID Issuance, Addressing Banyarwanda Citizenship Concerns

By Gad Masereka

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a groundbreaking Executive Order to address inefficiencies and discriminatory practices in the issuance of passports and identification documents in Uganda. The directive, signed on January 23, 2025, focuses on eliminating bureaucratic obstacles, improving citizenship verification processes, and ensuring equitable treatment for all citizens, including the Banyarwanda community.

The order comes in response to widespread public complaints regarding unfair treatment by immigration officials, particularly in verifying citizenship by birth. President Museveni emphasized that these issues stem from administrative failures rather than legal gaps, urging strict adherence to the 1995 Constitution and other relevant laws.

The Executive Order reaffirms that citizenship by birth is inherent and cannot be arbitrarily questioned by immigration officers. “There should be a presumption of citizenship unless credible evidence suggests otherwise,” the President stated. He clarified that the burden of proof lies with immigration officials, not applicants.

In cases where standard identification documents, such as birth certificates or voter cards, are unavailable, applicants can rely on statutory declarations from relatives or letters from local authorities and community elders to prove their citizenship. Immigration officers are directed to collaborate with the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to resolve disputes and ensure due process.

The order explicitly prohibits any form of discrimination based on tribe, ethnicity, or community, including the Banyarwanda. Frank Gashumba, co-founder of the Council for Abavandimwe, welcomed the directive, calling it a much-needed step toward fairness. “The problem has been the selective application of Article 10 of the Constitution,” Gashumba said, expressing hope that the directive would ensure justice for all citizens.

Ms. Grace Kaboyo, the President’s Advisor, highlighted the critical role of NIRA in streamlining the identification process. “National IDs are essential for facilitating citizenship rights. Denying these rights undermines the system,” she said. The President directed immigration officials to comply with Section 40 of the Citizenship and Immigration Control Act, which outlines clear procedures for issuing travel documents.

The directive also prohibits the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) from confiscating or canceling national IDs without legal justification. Immigration officers are urged to prioritize cooperation with NIRA and respect applicants’ rights to be heard.

President Museveni pointed out a legislative gap that excludes children of citizens by birth or naturalization from automatically gaining citizenship. He tasked the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Attorney General with addressing this issue to ensure the law fully reflects the constitutional principle that “a citizen produces a citizen.”

The Executive Order is expected to boost public confidence in Uganda’s immigration and identification systems by ensuring transparent, lawful, and respectful processes. The government aims to eliminate unnecessary delays and barriers, making it easier for all Ugandans to obtain essential documents.

“A Ugandan’s constitutional right to a passport or ID should not be restricted by unnecessary hurdles,” President Museveni stated. He reiterated that all citizens must be treated with dignity and fairness, adding that this directive marks a significant step toward equity and efficiency in service delivery.

The President’s directive underscores his administration’s commitment to fostering unity, protecting rights, and ensuring equal access to vital national services for all Ugandans.