Banyarwanda Reject Executive Order on Citizenship

By Spy Uganda

I.n a powerful and unified declaration, the Banyarwanda community in Uganda, led by lawyer Mukasa Mbidde Fred, has rejected the recent *Executive Order on Banyarwanda Citizenship*. The group claims the order marginalizes over 6 million Ugandan-born Kinyarwanda speakers and threatens their citizenship status.  

 Key Points Raised by the Banyarwanda Leaders:  

– Reclassification of Kinyarwanda Speakers: The order identifies Kinyarwanda speakers, except those from Mpororo, Kisoro, and Ntungamo districts, as non-Ugandans who must apply for naturalization.

-Risk of Statelessness: This policy risks rendering over 6 million Ugandans stateless, a violation of international and subregional human rights agreements.

– Legal Action: The community has resolved to take the matter to the East African Court of Justice for adjudication.

– Call for Dialogue: The group calls for an urgent meeting with the President to seek a fair and lasting resolution.

– Campaign for Constitutional Reform: They have revived their Amend Article 10 Campaign to ensure constitutional recognition of all Kinyarwanda-speaking Ugandans.

Historical Fights of the Banyarwanda Community  

The Banyarwanda community has a long history of fighting for recognition and inclusion in Uganda:

1. Pre-Colonial Era: The Banyarwanda settled in parts of Uganda as early as the 17th century, especially in regions like Mpororo and Kisoro, where cultural and trade interactions flourished.

2. Colonial Boundary Changes: Colonial administrators, particularly during the 1900s, redrew boundaries that separated ethnic groups. Many Banyarwanda were left in Uganda, despite their historic ties to the region.

3. Post-Independence Discrimination: After Uganda’s independence in 1962, the Banyarwanda were often treated as “foreigners” despite being born in Uganda. They faced challenges in accessing citizenship, land rights, and political representation.

4. 1980s War and Recovery: During Uganda’s liberation war in the 1980s, many Banyarwanda actively supported the National Resistance Army (NRA), hoping for equality. However, their citizenship rights have remained a contested issue.

History of the Conflict

The tension between the Banyarwanda and the Ugandan state stems from a combination of colonial legacies and post-independence nationalism:

– Colonial Policies: During colonial rule, Banyarwanda migrants were brought into Uganda as laborers. This migration blurred the lines between native and migrant populations, leading to mistrust.

– Nationalism After Independence: Successive Ugandan governments promoted nationalist ideologies that excluded groups perceived as “foreigners,” including the Banyarwanda.

– Citizenship Struggles: The 1995 Constitution provided some recognition to Banyarwanda, but ambiguities in Article 10 left many without clear citizenship rights.

– Modern Struggles: Despite their contribution to Uganda’s history and economy, Kinyarwanda-speaking Ugandans continue to face discrimination in land rights, employment, and political participation.

The community’s latest struggle is part of a broader campaign to achieve lasting recognition and equality.

The Banyarwanda community remains firm in its resolve:

– To challenge the Executive Order.through legal action.

– To advocate for fair policies that respect their history and rights.

– To push for constitutional amendments that secure their citizenship and dignity.