In a bold move against long-standing discrimination, the Council for Abavandimwe an umbrella body that brings Banyarwanda in Uganda together has taken proactive steps to address the systemic abuse faced by the Banyarwanda community in Uganda.
In a public announcement made on April 4th, 2024, Chairman of the Council for Abavandimwe Frank M. Gashumba highlighted heinous violations of citizenship rights by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and the Immigration Department.
The announcement underscored the consistent denial of national identification documents, including National IDs and passports, to members of the Banyarwanda community. Additionally, many individuals reported confiscation of their documents at border crossings, arbitrary arrests, and harassment under false charges.
The Council for Abavandimwe, has tirelessly campaigned against ethnic discrimination. Their efforts culminated in a recent meeting with the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, where they formally presented their grievances.
In a call to action, Chairman Gashumba urged all victims and witnesses of ethnic discrimination to come forward and report their experiences to visit their offices at Plot 22 Jinja Road Pioneer House, opposite Shell Jinja Road, First Floor Room 2 to register their complaints.
This announcement signals a pivotal moment in the fight against ethnic discrimination in Uganda. The Banyarwanda community, empowered by the Council for Abavandimwe, is determined to secure their rights and create a more equitable society for current and future generations.
