Ugandans in diaspora urged to get dual citizenship

UGANDANS | DUAL | CITIZENSHIP

KAMPALA - Ugandans living in the diaspora have been urged to get dual citizenship in countries that allow it.

Commissioner for immigration control at the internal affairs ministry Col. Geoffrey Kambere says dual citizenship will ensure that they are protected.

Kambere remarked while addressing the 12th Annual Uganda Diaspora conference and exhibition at the Kampala Serena Hotel Wednesday. 

He added that for countries that do not allow dual citizenship, Ugandans should get a certificate of registration.

Referring to the past history of immigration, he said it was characterised by delays in issuing passports, accusations of corruption and long queues to get passports. 

This situation has now changed as passports are applied for online and the process eliminates corruption. 

Dr Maggie Kigozi (C), the patron of the Uganda Diaspora Network interacts with participants at the 12th Annual Uganda Diaspora conference and exhibition at the Serena Hotel, in Kampala. (All Photos by John Odyek)

In the same way, the e-visa and the e-passport system are linked to the URA system that enables the payment of fees. The services of issuing passports have been decentralised locally in various districts and internationally in major cities including London, Copenhagen, Washington DC.

In relation to this, the African Union recognises the diaspora as an important group that can foster Africa’s development.

“By 2025, all countries in Africa are expected to grant dual citizenships that allow them. Citizenship brings a sense of identity, belonging to an original country and a desire to contribute to the development of the home country. The travel document one holds defines their identity,” Kambere said.

He added that to get their passports, Ugandans abroad are charged sh10,000 for courier services to deliver their passports. 

This fee is on top of the sh250,000 charged for getting the new ordinary passports.

He urged Ugandans living in the diaspora to replace their old passports with new electronic ones. Responding to questions about the quality of Uganda’s passports, he said they were following a regional specification.

“There are questions about the fading of the gold writings. We shall check on the production whether they match the specification.”

“The passports are what the manufacturers have come up with. It is of good quality and internationally recognised. Passports are not for immigration alone, it is an issue for all Ugandans, we need to join hands to develop Uganda,” Kambere said.

Ronnie Mayanja (2nd L), the founder of the Uganda Diaspora Network discusses with participants at the 12th Annual Uganda Diaspora conference and exhibition at the Serena Hotel, Kampala.

Ronnie Mayanja, the founder of the Uganda Diaspora Network thanked the various stakeholders that supported the hosting of the event.

Mayanja said he has refused to be drawn into politics while running the network, but preferred to work for Uganda and with all people.

The event was addressed by various speakers, including chairperson board of trustees of Uganda Japan Diaspora Livingstone Kyeyune, chairperson of the Ugandans in China Denis Birungi, officials from the National Housing and Construction Company, Uganda Waragi, Uganda Investment Authority and the foreign affairs ministry.

Dr Maggie Kigozi, the patron of the Uganda Diaspora Network, said the initiative has helped increase Uganda’s remittances from abroad. Kigozi noted that through the remittances, many Ugandans have set up enterprises, created jobs and tax collection from the diaspora has increased.

“Remittances from Uganda’s diaspora have supported family needs such as education, health, food and housing needs,” Kigozi said.

William Bent, the deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Kampala said holding the meeting was a sign that COVID-19 had reduced social gatherings significantly. Bent said the Ebola virus challenge in Uganda had been successfully handled as it continues to get monitored.

Bent added that the US was interested in investing in and developing Africa. On good governance, human rights, transparency and democracy he said these were key values the US looks at when they are to invest in a country.

“American companies believe in paying living wages. US companies want to invest in countries where the rule of law is respected. Countries that will qualify for the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act must ensure there is respect for human rights,” Bent said.