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KAMPALA - Foreigners born in Uganda do not automatically qualify for citizenship, according to Simon Mundeyi, the spokesperson of the Internal Affairs Ministry.

He pointed out in chapter 3 of the 1995 constitution (Articles 9-19), which defines a citizen of the country as every person born in Uganda, with at least one parent or grandparent who is or was a member of one of the indigenous communities listed in the third schedule of the constitution as of February 1, 1926.

Mundeyi was addressing the media at the ministry’s headquarters in Kampala on July 10, 2024.

During the press conference, Mundeyi introduced to the media one Sam Nkubito, a Rwandan whom he said was found in possession of two identification cards from both his country and Uganda.

Nkubito was intercepted at the passport control office at the Internal Affairs Ministry as he tried to apply for Ugandan passport.

According to Mundeyi, investigations are still underway to establish why he was trying to obtain the passport illegally, circumventing the necessary procedures.

“We are aware of criminal organisations that train non-Ugandans to falsely claim Ugandan citizenship to obtain our travel documents. We encourage Ugandans to report criminals who engage in such activities to appropriate authorities,” Mundeyi said.

According to the constitution, under Section 16(5) Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act Cap 66, if individuals do not meet the criteria outlined in the citizenship by birth section (meaning their family's lineage in Uganda starts with migration to Uganda after February 1, 1926) and have been living in the country since they have the option to apply for naturalization.

This process confirms their legal status as a citizen, and there is a fee of sh100,000, according to Mundeyi.

He noted that the naturalization application can be submitted online at www.visas.immigration.go.ug, and that once approved, a certificate will be issued, which can then be used to apply for a national identification card, among other requirements.

“Many individuals from different backgrounds, including Banyarwanda among others, who initially did not qualify as per the constitution, have successfully naturalized by following the correct procedures after seeking advice,” Mundeyi said.

He further explained that for one to qualify to register for naturalization including having resided in Uganda for at least 20 years in total, must have continuously lived in the country for the last 24 months before applying.

Others include need to demonstrate adequate knowledge of either a designated Ugandan language or English, must have a clean criminal record and be considered a person of good moral standing, and must intend to make the country (Uganda) their permanent residence after becoming a citizen.

“We encourage the public to seek information from credible sources such as the Constitution and the Citizenship and Immigration Control Act.

These are readily available to the public. Furthermore, we advise against making sensational and attention-seeking social media posts that lack a basic understanding of the law and facts, as this could lead to legal consequences if breached,” Mundeyi said.

He added: “If during the course of seeking our services, one feels that they have not been served correctly, we encourage them to seek redress through our various channels, including supervisors and leadership offices.”