Julius Muhumuza

The Banyarwanda living in Uganda have started consultation meetings across the country with the aim of getting views concerning the bill they want to propose to parliament, advocating for their rights and protection.

They showed dissatisfaction for their fellow Banyarwanda, especially Members of Parliament, who have not helped them advocate for their rights and protection.

 Banyarwanda raised concern over their fellow banyarwanda in high ranking positions especially members of Parliament who have not helped them in the fight of advocating for their rights and protection.

Ruth Kamugisha Spokesperson of Banyarwanda in Greater Masaka, said that there is too much segregation and violation of rights when it comes to Banyarwanda, especially while accessing services in Uganda, giving an example of acquiring Passports. 

Frank Serubiri a munyarwanda residing in Gomba, said that they are devising means of having a law implemented that will protect their rights. 

They also raised the issue of some banyarwanda who get National IDs from both Uganda and Rwanda. This has been reported to confuse security and has been condemned. 

Simon Kaitana Representing Banyarwanda in Mengo government says that article 10 of the constitution of Uganda prohibits Banyarwanda from being in Uganda, therefore it should be scrambled off. 

Fred Mukasa Mbidde, leader of the Banyarwanda community, says that if the government fails to handle the problem, over 10 million people will become homeless, though they regard themselves as Ugandans. 

He adds that if the constitution is not amended, the Banyarwanda in Uganda will not be able to get good jobs and benefit from government programs. 

It is alleged that numerous Ugandan-Banyarwanda returning from overseas for education or employment purposes have encountered obstacles in renewing their passports or obtaining national identity cards, leading to job losses or missed educational opportunities.