President Yoweri Museveni has issued an Executive Order to streamline the issuance of passports and identity documents, following widespread complaints about applicant treatment. He emphasized that the issue lies in the implementation, not the law itself.
Right to Passport and Freedom of Movement: The order reaffirms every Ugandan citizen’s right to a passport, stressing that National Identification Numbers (NIN) and legally specified documents are sufficient for applications, with no additional requirements unless legally justified
Protection of Citizenship: The directive warns immigration officials not to overstep their authority regarding citizenship. Citizenship by birth is inherent, and there must be a presumption of citizenship unless proven otherwise.National ID Protection: DCIC is prohibited from confiscating or canceling National Identity Cards issued by NIRA without due process.
Non-Discriminatory Process: The order mandates fair and uniform application of passport and ID requirements, regardless of tribe or ethnicity, and urges prompt issuance when supported by local authority letters.
Citizenship of Children of Ugandan Nationals: The President highlighted the need to address the legal gap regarding children born to registered or naturalized Ugandan citizens and directed the Minister of Internal Affairs and Attorney General to act.
This order follows a similar directive issued in January to stop denying passports to eligible Ugandans, particularly Banyarwanda citizens born in Uganda, amid complaints of discrimination and mistreatment.
