Gashumba delivers a message of hope from President Museveni to Bavandimwe

On January 11, 2025, the Council for Abavandimwe convened at Speke Hotel in Kampala, where their chairman, Frank Gashumba, conveyed encouraging news from President Yoweri Museveni. Gashumba announced that the President had issued a directive instructing authorities, particularly the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, to cease discriminatory practices against Ugandan-born Banyarwanda (Bavandimwe) in the issuance of identification documents.

Gashumba emphasized that, after enduring prolonged challenges, the President’s intervention offers a resolution to the systemic discrimination allegedly perpetrated by certain officials. He stated, “We have reliable information that the president is in final stages of signing an executive order to that effect regarding our outcry.”

Looking ahead, Gashumba highlighted the Council’s intention to advocate for legislation that ensures the rights and freedoms of the Bavandimwe community. He urged members to reciprocate the President’s support by backing him in the 2026 elections, asserting that President Museveni has demonstrated steadfast solidarity with their cause.

Gashumba also contested the population figures reported by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), which estimated the Banyarwanda community at approximately 600,000. He claimed that the actual number exceeds 11 million, suggesting a significant underrepresentation in official statistics.

The meeting also featured Dr. Lawrence Muganga, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University and Council member, who expressed gratitude to the President for his support during challenging times. Dr. Muganga encouraged the Bavandimwe to support President Museveni in the upcoming elections, stating, “One good deed deserves another.”

Dr. Muganga recounted personal experiences of discrimination, including difficulties in obtaining passports and national identification cards for his family members. He highlighted the case of his ailing mother, whose need for medical treatment abroad is hindered by the uncertainty of securing a passport. He remarked, “Without these documents, members of this community face insurmountable challenges, including being unable to work, own property, marry, or even travel.”

Attendees shared testimonies of prolonged discrimination, including denial of passports and national IDs, and instances where their identification documents were confiscated. The community resolved to continue advocating for equal rights, aiming to achieve parity with other Ugandan citizens.

The Council for Abavandimwe has been actively petitioning various governmental bodies, including the Human Rights Commission, Equal Opportunities Commission, and the Parliament of Uganda, seeking redress for the challenges faced by the Banyarwanda community. Their efforts have culminated in the President’s recent directive, which they view as a significant milestone in their quest for equality.

The Bavandimwe community remains optimistic that the implementation of the President’s directive will lead to the cessation of discriminatory practices and the restoration of their rights as Ugandan citizens. They continue to advocate for legislative measures that will safeguard their freedoms and ensure equal treatment under the law.