KAMPALA, Uganda | Citizenship is more than a legal status; it is a question of belonging, identity, and inclusion. In Uganda, the conversation around who qualifies as a citizen is being reshaped by Democratic Party Vice President, Mbidde, who is leading a campaign to amend the 1995 Constitution to recognize all individuals born in Uganda as citizens by birth. His proposal aims to address a longstanding exclusion embedded in the nation’s laws, one that has left many stateless and marginalized in the country they call home.

Mbidde’s focus is on Article 10 of the Constitution, which limits citizenship by birth to those classified as “indigenous”—people whose ancestors were present in Uganda by February 1, 1926. This definition, he argues, is outdated and discriminatory, particularly toward communities like the Nubians, Kenyans, and Banyarwanda descendants who have deep-rooted ties to Uganda but are excluded from enjoying the full rights of citizenship.

“Uganda is home to many communities who have contributed to its growth and culture for generations, yet the law still views them as outsiders,” Mbidde says. This exclusion has far-reaching consequences, denying people access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, and employment, and leaving many in legal limbo. For many individuals in Uganda, the rigid legal framework governing citizenship creates barriers to fully participating in the life of the nation.

Mbidde argues that this legal framework not only marginalizes certain groups but also damages Uganda’s image on the international stage. “We risk being seen as a country that is segregative,” he warns, stressing that inclusivity is critical to national unity. His proposal is simple: amend the Constitution to align with the realities of Uganda’s diverse population and the global trend toward more inclusive citizenship laws.

Neighboring countries like Kenya and Tanzania have already taken steps to modernize their citizenship laws, extending rights to previously marginalized communities, including those of Indian, Somali, and Arab descent. Mbidde points out that Uganda can learn from these examples and embrace reforms that reflect its evolving society. By recognizing the rights of all individuals born in Uganda, the country would not only strengthen its legal framework but also demonstrate its commitment to human rights and equality.

To build momentum for this change, Mbidde has announced a series of consultations, beginning on November 2 in Kayunga district, where he will gather insights from communities most affected by the current citizenship laws. “We need feedback from all Ugandans,” he says, emphasizing the importance of public involvement in drafting a law that is truly representative. This consultative process is designed to ensure that the voices of those who have been left out of the conversation are heard and that the new law reflects the realities of an inclusive Uganda.

The goal of these consultations is to create a citizenship policy that unifies, rather than divides. Mbidde believes that by prioritizing the rights of communities that have long contributed to Uganda’s development, the nation can build a stronger sense of belonging and national pride. He is confident that this constitutional reform could be a turning point in Uganda’s journey toward a more just and equal society.

Mbidde’s vision extends beyond the legal realm. It is about reshaping the narrative of what it means to be Ugandan. By advocating for the inclusion of all people born in Uganda, he is calling for a broader recognition of shared identity and collective responsibility. His message is clear: no one should feel like a stranger in the country of their birth.