President Museveni Poised to End Discrimination Against Indigenous Banyarwanda

His Excellence the President of Uganda , Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to issue an Executive Order aimed at addressing years of systemic discrimination and marginalization faced by Uganda’s indigenous Banyarwanda community.
This anticipated directive follows a four-year campaign led by the Council for Abavandimwe, co-founded by prominent activist Frank Gashumba, to highlight and challenge injustices within the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and the Immigration Department.
The Council has repeatedly raised concerns about practices such as the arbitrary deactivation and confiscation of National IDs, denial of passports, and refusal to renew critical documents. These actions, they argue, have left affected individuals unable to participate fully in economic and social activities.
“Without a National ID or passport, one is rendered economically incapacitated,” said Mr. Gashumba in a press statement. “You cannot travel, access employment, open a bank account, or register a business. These practices have caused immense suffering and hardship.”
After years of lobbying key stakeholders, including the Speaker of Parliament, the Human Rights Commission, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Council secured an audience with President Museveni in late 2024. During the meeting, the President acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and expressed a commitment to resolving it.
Although the Executive Order has not yet been issued, the President is expected to announce key measures, including the reactivation or return of confiscated National IDs, expedited passport issuance for eligible applicants, and the recognition of citizenship rights for children born to Ugandan parents.
Additionally, the directive is anticipated to eliminate discriminatory requirements such as proof of ancestral presence in Uganda before 1926, photographs of burial grounds, and tax-related documents.
“This marks a turning point for the indigenous Banyarwanda community,” said Mr. Gashumba. “We are hopeful that the anticipated Executive Order will restore dignity and protect the rights of those who have been unfairly excluded from full citizenship.”
The Council has also extended its gratitude to individuals who have supported their cause, including Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Among, journalist Andrew Mwenda, and Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, whose advocacy helped bring national attention to the plight of the Banyarwanda.
As the nation awaits the President’s formal directive, the Council has announced plans to engage with the media and community stakeholders to prepare the public for the changes expected in the forthcoming Executive Order.
If issued, the directive is expected to mark a significant milestone in Uganda’s efforts to combat systemic discrimination and uphold the principle of equal rights for all citizens. Many hope this move will set a positive precedent for addressing similar injustices affecting marginalized communities nationwide.