'We have listened': Uganda removes barriers to regaining dual citizenship

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The Ugandan government has cleared controversial barriers that had made it difficult for Ugandans who had changed allegiance to reclaim their citizenship.

Maj. Gen. Apollo Kasiita-Gowa, the Chief of Citizenship and Immigration Control, announced the reforms in Perth, Australia during a meet-and-greet event with Ugandans ahead of the inter-state independence celebrations.

The event, hosted at The Platform in the city of Perth on Friday evening, brought together Ugandans from across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.

'Processed simplified'

“We have listened, and we are acting. Thanks to your feedback. You no longer require a health evaluation or a certificate of good conduct to apply for and regain citizenship," said Kasiita-Gowa.

"The process has been simplified, and you only pay 200 US dollars in administrative costs.

The immigration officer also said the government is exploring solutions to address other concerns, such as the situation of Ugandans who acquire another citizenship without officially renouncing their Ugandan one.

Previously, Ugandan law required applicants seeking to regain citizenship to undergo mental and physical health checks, as well as provide a certificate of good conduct. 

Members of the Ugandan Victoria Association had protested the requirements, calling them unfair, invasive, and demeaning. Their argument was that a person’s health should not determine their right to citizenship.

During an earlier engagement, immigration officials had pledged to review the concerns, leading to the recent policy reversal.

“We are working closely with Ugandans abroad to ensure a smooth process for regaining citizenship,” said Kasiita-Gowa. 

“We recognise that dual citizenship was once unconstitutional, but with the legislative reforms now in place, we are committed to making the process simpler and more transparent.”

Maj. Gen. Kasiita-Gowa says legislative reforms now in place as regards dual citizenship

'Efficient and user-friendly'

Col. Geoffrey Kambere, commissioner for borders and foreign nationals management at the Directorate of Immigration, said the department is increasing staffing at select Ugandan embassies and high commissions to speed up visa processing and related services.

“We want people to experience faster turnaround times. Our goal is to make the process efficient and user-friendly."

A delegation from Uganda will attend the independence celebrations and will use the opportunity to address various issues affecting Ugandans abroad.

The team includes Annet Kiraza (principal assistant secretary), Jimmy Alani (principal technology officer), and Susan Tushabe acting senior government valuer from the lands ministry).

They will be joined by Jacqueline Babirye from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Francis Nyende from the Uganda Tourism Board, who will participate in a tourism roadshow organised by consular officer Susan Tiisa Mugwanya, running across several Australian states.

From left, consular officer Susan Tiisa Mugwanya, UWA's Jacqueline Babirye and UTB's Francis Nyende

The Perth event, hosted by the Uganda Western Australia Association under the leadership of Geoffrey Gumisiriza, served as a precursor to the main independence celebration scheduled for Saturday evening.

The gathering was attended by the Ugandan High Commissioner to Australia, Amb. Dorothy Samalie Hyuha, her deputy Amb. Patrick Guma Muganda, other embassy officials, and community leaders from across Australia.

From left, Amb Hyuha with lands ministry officials Jimmy Alani, Suzan Tushabe and Annet Kiraza

High Commission officer Daniel Mulekezi renewing his national ID