By Spy Uganda
Kampala: The Banyarwanda and Barundi communities living in Uganda have embarked on a legal battle seeking to advocate for their rights and protection as legal ethnic tribes in Uganda.
Their concerns were raised in a recent meeting held at the Lugogo MTN Arena which was graced by prominent city lawyer Fred Mukasa Mbidde, the National Legal Advisor for the Umubano Task Force of the Ugandan Banyarwanda.
During the meeting, Mbidde emphasized the importance of discipline, unity, and resolve among the Banyarwanda community, further calling upon them to reclaim their lost glory and demand their for rights as a community.
He highlighted the need for Banyarwanda leaders to articulate their grievances before authorities rather than relying on intermittent pleas for monetary and personal assistance from the president noting that such pleas often overlook the larger problems faced by them, leaving their concerns unaddressed.
To address their concerns, Mbidde proposed a comprehensive bill that aims to address the concerns and rights of the Banyarwanda and Barundi ethnic groups in Uganda titled; “The Banyarwanda and Barundi Ethnic Groups Protection and Management Act”. The bill seeks to provide a framework for the management and protection of the same, while ensuring the security requirements of the state.The proposed bill includes provisions to recognize the Banyarwanda and Barundi ethnic groups as indigenous ethnic groups of Uganda, aligning with the relevant articles of the Constitution.
It also affirms the citizenship of individuals from the groups, ensuring they enjoy the same Rights and privileges as other Ugandan citizens.
To oversee the implementation and enforcement of the Act, the bill proposes establishment of Protection Authority and a Board.
The Protection Authority will compile and maintain a comprehensive database on membership within the Banyarwanda and Barundi ethnic groups, while the Board will consist of representatives from immigration, security, elders, and the respective communities.
The bill further outlines management and protection measures to safeguard the Rights and dignity of the Banyarwanda and Barundi ethnic groups.
The bill will also address other issues such as discrimination, segregation, and torture, while also focusing on equal opportunities and treatment regarding travel documents, national identity cards, and government bursaries.
Recognizing the importance of reparations and redress, the bill includes provisions to address past injustices or violations suffered by the Banyarwanda and Barundi ethnic groups. It ensures that affected individuals or communities have access to legal remedies and fair compensation.
The proposed bill also specifies mechanisms for implementation and enforcement, including penalties for non-compliance, and includes transitional provisions to facilitate a smooth transition to the new framework.
The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of unity and determination among the Banyarwanda community to advocate for their rights and protect the interests of their ethnic groups.
The meeting was also attended by Chairman of Umubano Ugandan Banyarwanda Donat Kananula and the Task Force Chairman, Simon Kayitana who stressed the importance of the proposed bill as a permanent solution for the Banyarwanda issues
