Citizenship in Uganda is defined by the 1995 Constitution and the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act.
There are two main paths to citizenship: through birth and naturalization. Citizenship by birth is granted to individuals born in Uganda with at least one parent or grandparent from an indigenous community listed in the constitution.
However, being born in Uganda alone does not automatically qualify someone for citizenship.
On the other hand, citizenship by naturalization is available to individuals who have lived in Uganda for at least 20 years and meet specific requirements, including having adequate knowledge of a Ugandan language or English, a clean criminal record, and good moral standing.
According to Mundeyi Simon Peter, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, “We encourage the public to seek information from credible sources and advise against making sensational social media posts that lack a basic understanding of the law and facts, as this could lead to legal consequences.”
He added, “The procedures for citizenship are simple, and we advise the public to be cautious of scammers who may mislead and frustrate them in seeking our services.”
“Citizenship is a precious gift, and we must understand the laws and procedures that govern it,” said Mundeyi Simon Peter.
Summary:
Citizenship by Birth:
– Born in Uganda
– At least one parent or grandparent from an indigenous community listed in the constitution
– Community must have existed in Uganda as of February 1st, 1926
– Being born in Uganda alone does not automatically qualify for citizenship
Citizenship by Naturalization:
– Resided in Uganda for at least 20 years
– Lived in Uganda continuously for the last 24 months
– Adequate knowledge of a Ugandan language or English
– Clean criminal record and good moral standing
– Intend to make Uganda their permanent residence
– Fulfill all the above requirements
Additional Information:
– Naturalization application can be submitted online
– Fee for naturalization is 100,000 UGX
– Certificate issued after approval can be used to apply for a National ID