Nsibambi wants dual citizenship

By Hamis Kaheru PRIME Minister Apolo Nsibambi has said Article 15 of the Constitution, which prohibits dual citizenship, must be amended because it makes Uganda an Island in a globalised and liberalised economy. Nsibambi, who was closing the 12th Uganda/North America Association (UNAA) convention at Hotel Africana on Sunday, said many Ugandans who left the country during the period of turbulence should remain Ugandans. UNAA brings together Ugandans in the diaspora, many of whom acquired citizenship in host countries. "If Uganda is your motherland or fatherland especially by birth and even by registration, how can we allow Article 15 to continue alienating, 'dismothering' or 'disfathering' you?" he asked. He said the Government wished its foreign missions to emphasize "commercial diplomacy" and called on UNAA members to undertake the task of marketing Uganda. "You must highlight our achievements, which include successful launching of UPE, implementation of the decentralisation policy, the elimination of hyper- inflation, fostering of good governance and the restoration of cultural and political tolerance," he said. He defended government's failure to back former foreign minister Olara Otunnu's bid for UN Secretary General post, saying Otunnu did not seek support. Otunnu is the UN permanent representative for children. Ends.