Museveni to Issue Executive Order Against Discrimination of Ugandan Banyarwanda

12th January 2025

Joy and excitement swept through the Ugandan Banyarwanda community following news that President Yoweri Museveni is preparing to issue an Executive Order to address widespread discrimination against them.

The announcement was made during a press conference at Speke Hotel in Kampala on Saturday, January 11, 2025. The event was led by Frank Gashumba, Chairman of the Council for Abavandimwe, alongside members of the executive committee. Gashumba revealed that the forthcoming Executive Order is the result of extensive consultations with stakeholders, including Parliament and the President, highlighting the plight of Ugandans of Banyarwanda origin.

The press conference drew several members of the Banyarwanda community who shared harrowing experiences of discrimination. Many cited the Immigration Office and the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) as culprits, accusing these bodies of denying them passports, national identity cards, and confiscating their documents.

Hundreds of Banyarwanda Ugandans who gathered st Speke Hotel for the press Conference

One notable story came from Kabagambe Kenneth, a Makerere University student and actor, who said he lost a chance to perform in Hollywood in the United States of America because he was denied a passport despite proving his Ugandan citizenship. Another, Kabuga Jake, recounted the heartbreaking ordeal of being unable to travel to the United States to approve a life-saving operation for his son. “My son is in critical condition in the United States, and the hospital needs my signature to proceed with surgery. But I’ve failed to secure a passport, and his life is now in danger,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion.

Frank Gashumba reassured the community that these injustices would soon be resolved, emphasizing President Museveni’s commitment to issuing the Executive Order. He called on Banyarwanda to remain united, urging collective action as a means to achieve their shared goals.

Frank Gashumba addressing Banyarwanda at the meeting.

Criticism was leveled against other associations, such as Umubano, for failing to address the concerns of the Banyarwanda yet they claim to fight for their rights. This outfit called Umubano was formed 30 years ago to champion the interest of Banyarwanda Ugandans but to date they haven’t achieved any tangible results except using the platform to lobby for themselves as individuals and attacking he Council for Abavandimwe who are doing impactful work.

Gashumba highlighted the achievements of the Council for Abavandimwe, which, in less than five years, has established a physical office in Kampala and actively championed the cause of Banyarwanda Ugandans. Key milestones by the Council include presenting these concerns before Parliament, meeting with the President, and having the issue discussed in Cabinet, and running a weekly radio program, The Voice of Abavandimwe, on Radio 4. The Council has also worked to combat the stigma that forced some Banyarwanda to change their names and hide their identity.

President Museveni and Frank Gashumba in a meeting at State House

Historical Context and Legal Recognition

The 1995 Constitution of Uganda recognizes Banyarwanda as an indigenous tribe that existed in Uganda before 1926, a recognition also enshrined in the Uganda’s Independence 1962 Constitution. However, systemic discrimination persists, with some immigration officials denying passports to applicants even when they present national identity cards and letters of approval from local council authorities from LC1 to LC5, RDCs and DISO’s office.

The anticipated Executive Order is expected to address these injustices, ending the discrimination against Ugandans of Banyarwanda origin once and for all.

The press conference was attended by several prominent figures, including Dr. Lawrence Muganga, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University and Vice Chairman of the Council for Abavandimwe, and Ngarambe Sylus, Deputy RDC of Ntoroko District and an executive member of the Council.

Dr Muganga (in army green t.shirt) and Frank Gashumba at the meeting

As the event concluded, Gashumba urged Banyarwanda to show gratitude to President Museveni by voting for him in the next elections. “Whether you are sick or in the ICU, when the time comes, make sure you vote for Museveni as a way of rewarding him,” Gashumba passionately stated. His sentiments were echoed by Dr. Muganga and were overwhelmingly supported by the Banyarwanda who were gathered there!