Entebbe, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting the rights and Ugandan identity of the Banyarwanda community while drawing a firm line against dual citizenship claims during a high-level meeting at State House Entebbe on Tuesday.
Addressing a delegation of Banyarwanda leaders and representatives, Museveni emphasized that individuals of Rwandan descent who have lived in Uganda for generations and are recognized by local authorities should not be harassed or denied their Ugandan identity.
“Those who have lived here for decades and are recognized by their local leaders are Ugandans. They must be treated as such,” said Museveni. “But what we cannot accept is dual citizenship without clarity. You must choose where you belong.”
In a bold and unambiguous statement, the President invoked his own ethnic background to highlight the need for national clarity and allegiance.
“Even I, as a Muhooro, know this. If I want to be Rwandan, I must go to Rwanda. I cannot claim both identities,” Museveni said, drawing applause from some attendees and raising eyebrows from critics.
The comment comes amid increasing scrutiny of the status of Ugandan Banyarwanda, especially in border districts, where allegations of marginalization and denial of documentation have become more frequent.
Museveni also announced plans to form a special government committee to handle disputes surrounding citizenship, identity, and recognition, especially those affecting Ugandans of Rwandan ancestry.
“We will form a committee to ensure fairness and truth prevail. Nobody should be victimized based on where their grandparents came from,” the President declared.
This committee is expected to work alongside LC1s, immigration authorities, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to ensure that legitimate Ugandans are not disenfranchised while preventing abuse of citizenship laws by undocumented entrants or dual citizens.
The Banyarwanda community in Uganda includes long-settled populations dating back to the pre-independence era, many of whom have contributed significantly to Uganda’s economy and security forces.
However, the community has often found itself caught in the middle of regional tensions, xenophobia, and political suspicion, particularly regarding Rwanda-Uganda relations.
Rights groups have frequently raised concerns about statelessness, denial of national IDs, and targeted evictions of individuals identified often unfairly as “non-Ugandan.”
While many within the Banyarwanda delegation welcomed Museveni’s pledge of protection, others were left uneasy by the binary identity framing.
Opposition voices also weighed in, warning that the citizenship debate must be handled carefully to avoid inflaming ethnic divisions or creating second-class citizens.
Also read: NUP Members Reveal Shocking Ordeal at CMI Facility
