The Banyarwanda community in Uganda has elected a new leadership committee, marking a pivotal moment in their decades-long struggle for equal recognition as Ugandan citizens.
Led by newly appointed Chairman Simon Kaitana, the leadership has pledged to push for a constitutional amendment addressing systemic discrimination in acquiring national identification documents, including national IDs and passports.
The elections, conducted during the Annual General Assembly held at Musa Courts Apartments in Kampala, were organized by Umubano, the umbrella association representing the Banyarwanda in Uganda.
The association has long advocated for the fair treatment of its members under the Ugandan Constitution, particularly in relation to Article 10, which governs citizenship criteria.
In his maiden address as chairman, Kaitana criticised the stipulation in Article 10 that restricts citizenship to individuals born in Uganda whose ancestors lived in the country before 1926.
This provision, he argued, has created significant barriers for Banyarwanda, many of whom have resided in Uganda for generations but cannot provide historical documentation tracing their lineage back to the specified date.
"There is an unjustified historical barrier placed upon us," Kaitana stated.
"Article 10 subjects us to proving our lineage to a date that does not reflect the current reality of our existence in Uganda. We are Ugandans, and we should be treated as such, without unnecessary bureaucracy or segregation."
The new leadership aims to spearhead efforts to amend Article 10, ensuring that the Banyarwanda are granted the same rights and recognition as other Ugandan citizens.
Prominent lawyer and Umubano advisor, Fred Mukasa Mbidde, underscored the constitutional discrepancies, arguing that Uganda's current citizenship laws violate international human rights principles.
He cited the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which calls for equality before the law, and urged lawmakers to reform legislation to reflect Uganda's diverse demographic realities.
"The existing law does not reflect the reality of Uganda's diverse population. It is discriminatory and contravenes international human rights law," Mbidde remarked.
He added that the new leadership would prioritize community outreach to ensure widespread awareness of the proposed changes.
The leadership also intends to focus on rebuilding internal unity among the Banyarwanda, who have faced divisions over identity and representation.
Kaitana and his team have pledged to reconcile these differences and present a united front in advocating for constitutional reforms.
The committee includes prominent figures like Frank Sserubiri, who serves as a deputy chief Muzzukulu to President Museveni.
Sserubiri will champion the interests of Banyarwanda working within government structures, ensuring their participation in national development initiatives.
"Our goal is not just constitutional reform but also increased representation and integration in all aspects of Ugandan society," Sserubiri affirmed.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
The Banyarwanda community plans to launch a nationwide campaign aimed at educating Ugandans on the need for constitutional reform.
They are also seeking an audience with President Museveni to present their proposals and garner support for their cause.
As part of their advocacy strategy, the leadership is preparing to engage with lawmakers, government agencies, and international organizations to highlight the importance of revising Uganda's citizenship laws.
The election of a new leadership committee marks a renewed determination within the Banyarwanda community to address long-standing injustices.
By striving for constitutional reform and enhanced representation, the community hopes to secure their rightful place as full citizens of Uganda, ensuring that future generations can live without the barriers that have hindered their progress.
