Kampala — Criminals have no value to this country, the disaster preparedness minister has said.

"We get nothing from criminals like rioters, cattle rustlers and thieves. Before such people demand for citizenship, we should look at their value to this nation. They do not deserve to be paid in return with citizenship," Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere said.

He noted that while it is important for one to be recognised as a citizen, countries should first consider personal contributions.

"Why should the Government strive to protect the citizenship of rioters? These are people who destabilise the country!" he said.

Kabwegyere urged Ugandans to be patriotic and contribute to the development of their country.

He was last Tuesday speaking at the launch of a book titled Struggles for Citizenship in Africa at Metropole Hotel in Kampala.

The book is authored by Bronwen Manby, a senior programme adviser for the Africa Governance and Advocacy Project.

Millions of people in Africa are stateless due to politics and other reasons beyond their control.

Manby argues that because such people are not recognised as citizens, they cannot have their children registered in their countries of residence.

He noted that people who lack citizenship cannot obtain employment since they do not have work permits.

Chidu Odinkalu, the Open Society Justice Initiative legal officer, said people denied of citizenship are prone to impoverishment.

"All states should know that people have a right to citizenship. People should not just beg for citizenship. They should own it right away if they belong to those nations."