President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued an Executive Order aimed at protecting Ugandan citizens’ rights and simplifying administrative processes for acquiring passports and identification documents.
Signed on January 23, 2025, the directive aims to ensure fair, lawful, and dignified treatment of all applicants by immigration officials.
The President acknowledged ongoing grievances regarding how applicants are handled, particularly concerning proof of citizenship.
“The issue of citizenship was resolved under Chapter 3 of the 1995 Constitution,” the order states, emphasizing the recognition of citizenship by birth, registration, and naturalization.
The President stressed that every Ugandan citizen has the right to a passport or travel document and the freedom to enter, leave, and return to the country without undue interference.
Under the new directive, officials from the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) must adhere to the Citizenship and Immigration Control Act which mandates only a National Identification Number (NIN) for passport applications. Any additional requirements must be lawful, publicly disclosed and applied uniformly to all applicants. The order further emphasizes that no undue burdens should be placed on applicants, particularly those proving citizenship by birth.
The Executive Order highlights that citizenship by birth is inherent and cannot be questioned without compelling evidence. Immigration officials are directed to assume citizenship unless there is clear and reliable proof to the contrary. In cases of suspected discrepancies, the DCIC must forward such matters to the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) for resolution instead of taking unilateral actions, such as confiscating identity cards. This ensures due process and protects applicants’ rights to be heard and access public services.
The President outlined the acceptable documents for identification, including birth certificates, voter’s cards, driving permits, and baptism certificates. In cases where applicants cannot produce these documents, a relative may identify them under oath through a statutory declaration as allowed by law. Letters from local authorities, such as Local Council 1 and Local Council III chairpersons, the Gombolola Internal Security Officer, or the Resident District Commissioner, will also be accepted to corroborate an applicant’s identity. If necessary, notable elders can also verify an applicant’s identity.
The directive mandates equal treatment of all applicants regardless of tribe, ethnicity, or community. It further clarifies that any individual found to have fraudulently obtained a national identification document or passport will have it revoked. However, this must be done through lawful procedures.
Museveni further directed the Minister of Internal Affairs and the Attorney General to urgently review the law regarding citizenship for children of citizens by birth and naturalization. The current law does not automatically recognize their citizenship, creating a potential anomaly that must be resolved to align with constitutional principles.
“Presently, the law does not accord automatic citizenship to children of citizens by birth and by naturalization. A citizen produces a citizen. The Minister of Internal Affairs and the Attorney General are directed to immediately have this anomaly addressed,” Museveni said.
The Executive Order is expected to restore trust in Uganda’s immigration system by prioritizing fairness, accountability, and the inherent rights of its citizens. Legal analysts and civil society groups have praised the order, describing it as a bold step toward improving public service delivery and upholding the dignity of all Ugandans.
This development comes as the government continues to address systemic challenges in the issuance of identification documents, ensuring that all processes are transparent, efficient, and aligned with the law.
