Gashumba Warns of Armed Struggle if Discrimination Against Bavandimwe Persists

Frank Gashumba, the Chairman of the Council for Bavandimwe, has issued a strong warning that Ugandans of Rwandan origin (Bavandimwe) may be forced to take up arms to fight for their rights if discrimination against them does not stop. His frustration follows continued complaints from members of the Bavandimwe community, who say they are still being denied Ugandan passports despite an executive order from President Yoweri Museveni allowing them to obtain citizenship documents without hindrance.

Gashumba has placed the blame squarely on the Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, accusing him of openly disregarding the president’s directive. According to Gashumba, Otafiire has previously made public statements claiming that Bavandimwe are not Ugandans but Rwandans, remarks that he says fuel discrimination and violate the executive order.

“Who is Otafiire to disrespect the president’s directive?” Gashumba questioned, expressing outrage that a senior government official would undermine a policy aimed at promoting unity and equal treatment for all Ugandans.

In addition to Otafiire, Gashumba pointed fingers at a senior official within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a one Kajuga, whom he accused of deliberately frustrating Bavandimwe applicants by imposing unfair and unrealistic requirements. He cited an example where applicants are being forced to prove that their grandparents lived in Uganda before 1923, a condition he described as unnecessary and discriminatory.

Despite his frustrations, Gashumba expressed gratitude to President Museveni for issuing the executive order that acknowledges Bavandimwe as Ugandans. He emphasized that the directive was a major step toward ending years of marginalization and discrimination against the community. However, he stressed that its implementation remains a challenge due to resistance from key government officials.

Gashumba has urged the Bavandimwe to remain firm and continue exposing officials within the Ministry of Internal Affairs who are blocking them from obtaining passports. He called for unity among Bavandimwe and warned that if the government does not take immediate action to stop the discrimination, the community may have no choice but to fight for their rights through armed resistance.

His remarks have sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting his call for justice while others caution against any form of violence. The government is yet to officially respond to Gashumba’s allegations, but his bold stance has once again brought the long-standing issue of Bavandimwe citizenship rights into the national spotlight.

The ongoing tensions raise critical questions about Uganda’s approach to citizenship and identity. Will the government take action against officials defying the president’s orders? Or will the frustration of Bavandimwe continue to grow, pushing them toward more radical means of seeking justice?

For now, Gashumba’s warning serves as a wake-up call that unless immediate steps are taken, Uganda may be heading for a deeper crisis regarding the rights of the Bavandimwe community.