Requirements For Dual Citizenship In Uganda

Requirements For Dual Citizenship In Uganda

In Uganda, dual citizenship means the simultaneous possession of two citizenship’s of which one is Uganda. The possession of a third citizenship disqualifies one from holding or being a dual national of Uganda unless the third citizenship is renounced.

Until 2009, dual citizenship was prohibited in Uganda by Article 15 of the Constitution. Article 15 was amended by constitutional amendment No . Pursuant to which the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control (Amendments) Act 2009 was enacted providing for dual citizenship in Uganda.

 The amendment was passed following the realization that Ugandans in the Diaspora make enormous contribution to the economic and socio-development of Uganda and the Government’s need to:

i.    enable Ugandans in the Diaspora maintain linkages with their roots without any legal hindrances

ii.   Attract potential investors

iii.    Reap advantages that accrue from the grant of dual citizenship.

Conditions for dual citizenship are detailed in the Uganda Citizenship and ImmigrationControl (Amendment) Act 2009. All Ugandans who lost their Ugandan citizenship prior to 2009 by way of obtaining citizenship of another country can now reacquire their former Ugandan citizenship. Ugandans who desire to acquire citizenship of another country can also do so without losing their Ugandan citizenship. 

A citizen of Uganda of eighteen years and above who voluntarily acquires citizenship of another country may retain the citizenship of Uganda subject to the Constitution (of Uganda), the Citizenship and Immigration Act, and any law enacted by Parliament.

A person who is not a citizen of Uganda may, on acquiring the citizenship of Uganda, subject to the Constitution, the Citizenship and Immigration Act and any other law enacted by Parliament, retain the citizenship of another country.

 WHO QUALIFIES TO HOLD DUAL CITIZENSHIP IN UGANDA?

i.    Any person holding Uganda citizenship and seeks citizenship of another country that allows dual citizenship and also fulfills the requirements for dual nationality OR

ii.    Any person who holds a citizenship of a country that permits dual nationality and also seeks Uganda citizenship and satisfies the requirements for grant of dual citizenship.

 PROCEDURES FOR RETAINING THE CITIZENSHIP OF UGANDA WHEN ONE ACQUIRES CITIZENSHIP OF ANOTHER COUNTRY?

i.    A citizen of Uganda who desires to acquire the citizenship of another country while retaining his/her citizenship of Uganda shall give notice in writing to the National Citizenship and Immigration Board of his or her application for the citizenship of another country

ii.    The notice above shall be in the prescribed form and shall be accompanied by:
a.    A statutory declaration stating that he or she is a citizen of Uganda only  where the person is a citizen of Uganda and another country, a declaration of renunciation of the Citizenship of the third country evidence that the applicant is of or above eighteen years of age.
b.    A copy of the application for citizenship of that other country.
c.    Any other relevant information

What are the disadvantages of dual citizenship?

5 Disadvantages of Dual Citizenship for Expatriates

  • Limited Assistance from Your Native Country. Dual citizens are bound by the laws and regulations of two different countries.
  • Complex Citizenship Processes.
  • Double Taxation Liability.
  • Career Issues
  • Career Issues