FAQs on Ugandan Citizenship: Everything You Need to Know

Who is a Ugandan citizen?

1. Any person born in Uganda whose parent or grandparent is or was a member of any of the indigenous communities existing and residing within the borders of Uganda on February 1, 1926, as listed in the third schedule of the constitution. (Section 10a of Article 10 of the Constitution)
2. A person born in or outside Uganda if one of their parents or grandparents was a citizen of Uganda at the time of their birth.
3. A child under the age of five who is discovered in Uganda and whose parents are unknown is presumed to be Ugandan.
4. A child under the age of eighteen whose parents are not Ugandan citizens and who is adopted by a Ugandan citizen upon registration becomes a citizen of Uganda.
5. One who successfully applies for and is registered as a Ugandan citizen

What are the rights and duties of citizens of Uganda?

The rights and obligations of Ugandan citizens include the right to vote and hold public office, access government services, and protection against discrimination. In addition, they must fulfil certain obligations, like as paying taxes, participating in the military if required, and defending the country's laws and principles.

What are the processes for obtaining Ugandan citizenship? 

Ugandan Citizenship is obtained on the following grounds by Birth, Registration, Naturalization. Details on acquisition of Ugandan citizenship, steps for application, requirements and fees can be found below:

1. Citizenship by Registration
2. Citizenship By Naturalisation
3. Dual Citizenship
4. Renunciation
5. Re-acquisition for a Former Ugandan

All applications are submitted online at the e-Immigration Portal

WHAT DOCUMENT WILL I GET TO DEMONSTRATE MY REGISTERED CITIZENSHIP?

A serialised certificate of registration will be supplied to anyone who has been registered as a Ugandan citizen.

What is Dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship in Uganda refers to the simultaneous having of two citizenships, one of which is Ugandan.

IS TRIPPLE CITIZENSHIP PART OF DUAL CITIZENSHIP?

NO; dual citizenship in Uganda is limited to two citizenships, one of which is Ugandan. Until the third citizenship is renounced, the presence of a third citizenship disqualifies a person from holding or becoming a dual national of Uganda.

WHAT IS THE REASON FOR DUAL CITIZENSHIP IN UGANDA?

Recognition that Ugandans in the Diaspora make a significant economic and social contribution to Uganda Necessity to allow Ugandans in the Diaspora to keep ties with their homeland without legal restrictions.

The requirement to entice prospective investors Benefit from the privileges that come with dual citizenship.

WHEN DID THE LAW REGARDING DUAL CITIZENSHIP TAKE EFFECT?

Prior to 2009, Article 15 of the Ugandan Constitution outlawed dual citizenship. The Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control (Amendments) Act of 2009 was adopted as a result of a constitutional modification to Article 15, allowing dual citizenship in Uganda.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR DUAL CITIZENSHIP IN UGANDA?

Any citizen of Uganda who seeks citizenship in a country that admits dual citizenship and meets the conditions for dual nationality OR Any citizen of a country that allows dual citizenship who seeks citizenship in Uganda and meets the standards for dual nationality.

Summary Checklist For Candidates Seeking Dual Citizenship

1. For an Indigenous Ugandan;
   1. Recommendation letter and National Identity card of recommender (Ugandan by birth of substantial standing)
   2. Valid Certificate Good Conduct from Interpol (issued within last 6 months)
   3. Proof of Ugandan Citizenship (copy of Ugandan passport /National ID) and Page 45 of Ugandan Passport
   4. If born outide Uganda, a Copy of Birth certificate as well as Parent’s Passport or National ID
   5. Foreign Passport Bio Data Page
   6. Recent Passport size photograph
   7. Medical report of sanity from a certified Doctor
   8. Notarized oath of allegiance (download and re-attach duly signed)
   9. Evidence that the other country permits dual-citizenship (letter from country/embassy)
   10. Proof of profession/occupation (Attach academic document/employment ID)
   11. Download and complete Form AA (re-attach Duly signed and notarized)
   12. Cover letter from the Applicant (addressed to Secretary National Citizenship and Immigration Board)

       Fees

       1. Application fee USD 200
2. For a Non-Ugandan;
   1. Download and complete Form AA (re-attach Duly signed and notarized)
   2. Personal bank Statement for last 3 months
   3. Proof of payment of NSSF and PAYE of employees (for employers)
   4. URA Personal Tax Clearance Certificate/NSSF payments (for last 2 years) and proof of company ownership (for directors)
   5. Recommendation letter and National Identity card of 2 referees (Ugandan by birth of substantial standing)
   6. Valid Certificate Good Conduct from Interpol (issued within last 6 months)
   7. Copy of the current passport
   8. Recent Passport size photograph
   9. Medical report of sanity from a certified Doctor
   10. Notarized oath of allegiance (download and re-attach duly signed)
   11. Recommendation letter from LC1, RDC and DISO (from area of residence)
   12. Evidence of ten years’ continuous legal stay in Uganda (copy of Work permit, CR and DP)
   13. List of achievements or innovations which you have made in your occupation or profession
   14. Current immigration status (valid for at least 2 years)
   15. Copy of other countries citizenship certificate and Passport
   16. Evidences that your country permits dual-citizenship
   17. Cover letter from the Applicant (addressed to Secretary National Citizenship and Immigration Board)
   18. Proof that you possess rare skills and capacity for technology transfer or Socio economic contribution

       Fees

       1. Non Refundable cost USD 200
       2. Application fee upon approval USD 5,000

Citizenship By Naturalisation

• Requirements

  1. Recommendation letter and National Identity cards of 2 referees (Ugandan by birth of substantial standing)
  2. Valid Certificate Good Conduct from Interpol (issued within last 6 months)
  3. Current passport (if any)
  4. Recent Passport size photograph
  5. Medical report of sanity from a certified Doctor
  6. Notarized Oath of Allegiance (download and re-attach duly signed)
  7. Covering/application letter from the Applicant (addressed to Secretary National Citizenship and Immigration Board)
  8. Download and complete Form D(re-attach Duly signed)
  9. Recommendation letter from LC1, RDC/ DISO
  10. Evidence that the applicant has resided in Uganda for a period of Uganda for 20 years (e.g. birth certificate, academic documents, Graduated tax tickets, baptism cards, land title/purchase agreements)
  11. Proof of continuous stay of 24 months in the country before applying (affidavit)
  12. Proof of profession/occupation

  Fees

  1. Application fee UGX 100,000

Re-Acquisition For A Former Ugandan

• Requirements

  1. Valid Certificate Good Conduct from Interpol (issued within last 6 months)
  2. Proof of Ugandan Citizenship (copy of Ugandan passport/Parents' passport/National ID) and Page 45 of Ugandan Passport
  3. Covering/application letter from the Applicant (addressed to Secretary National Citizenship and Immigration Board)
  4. Recommendation letter and National Identity card of recommender (Ugandan by birth of substantial standing)
  5. Other country's current passport bio data page
  6. Recent Passport size photograph
  7. Medical report of sanity from a certified Doctor
  8. Notarized oath of allegiance
  9. Proof of renunciation of Ugandan citizenship where applicable
  10. Proof of profession/occupation

  Fees

  1. Application fee upon approval USD 400

Can citizenship in Uganda be renounced?

Indeed, it is possible to abandon Ugandan citizenship, albeit infrequently.

For more information, visit The National Immigration website 

In conclusion,

Ugandan citizenship is an essential component of an individual's identity and can be acquired through a variety of processes, including birth, descent, naturalisation, and registration. Citizens of Uganda have rights and obligations, and dual citizenship is permitted. Citizenship in Uganda confers numerous advantages and opportunities, including the right to vote, hold public office, and utilise government services.