From Refugee to Citizen. How to Acquire Citizenship in Uganda

A citizen is a person that is a member of a particular country and has rights in that country because of being born there or being given rights in that country.

Being recognised as a citizen of Uganda has many legal benefits, such as; the rights to vote, to hold public office, to social security, to health services, to public education, to permanent residency, or to own land other property, amongst others.

Types of citizenship in Uganda

In Uganda, one can become a citizen I three ways

1. Birth. This applies to anyone born in Uganda with at least one parent or grandparent belonging to the indigenous communities within Uganda's borders as of February 1, 1926, or anyone born in or outside Uganda with a parent or grandparent who was a Ugandan citizen by birth at the time they are born.
2. Registration. In Uganda, citizenship by registration happens either through marriage or due to long stay (10 years) in Uganda. 
3. Naturalization. This is the legal process by which a non-citizen may acquire citizenship or nationality of that country.

How can a refugee become a citizen of Uganda?

Refugees become citizens of Uganda through the process of naturalization.

What does one need?

Under the Uganda constitution, any non-native person can apply for citizenship by naturalization if he/she meets the following criteria:

• The applicant has resided in Uganda (continuously or periodically) for a total of at least 20 years.
• For 24 continuous months immediately prior to the date of application, the applicant resided in Uganda.
• The applicant demonstrates knowledge of a local language or English language.
• The applicant demonstrates good character.
• The applicant intends to continue residing in Uganda if the citizenship is granted.

How to apply for citizenship by naturalization

If the applicant meets the necessary requirements, he/she should visit the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration website and fill out the application.

When applying for citizenship by naturalization, be sure to have the following documentation with you to support the application.

• A recommendation letter from the Office of the Prime Minister and National Identity cards of 2 referees (Ugandan by birth of good standing, no criminal record)
• A valid Certificate of Good Conduct from Interpol (issued within last 6 months)
• Current Passport (If any)
• Recent Passport size photograph
• Medical report of sanity from a certified Doctor.
• Notarized Oath of Allegiance (downloaded from the e-Immigration Portal, signed and reattached)
• Application letter from applicant (addressed to Secretary National Citizenship and Immigration Board)
• Completed form D (downloaded from the e-Immigration Portal signed and re-attached)
• Recommendation letter from Local Council (LC1), Resident District Commissioner (RDC)/ District Internal Security Officer (DISO)
• Evidence that the applicant has resided in Uganda for 20 years (e.g. Birth certificate, Academic documents, Graduated tax tickets, Baptism cards, land title/purchase agreements)
• Proof of continuous stay of 24 months in the country before applying (signed Affidavit).
• Proof of Profession/Occupation

Once the application is filled and submitted, it is reviewed and if found satisfactory, a certificate of naturalization is issued.

Application fee is UGX 100,000/=

NB. All Citizenship applications are submitted online at the e-Immigration Portal.

An image showing a sample of a naturalization application form D 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can someone obtain a Uganda National ID after being granted citizenship?

Yes. After receiving a certificate of naturalization, you can apply for a Uganda National Identity Card at the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) offices around Uganda.

Visit the nearest NIRA offices with the following:

• A copy of the certificate of naturalization.
• A letter detailing the applicant’s parents’ names, tribe, and clan. This letter is written by the Refugee Welfare Council (RWC) if the applicant lives in the settlement. If the applicant lives outside the settlement, the letter is written by the local council (LC). The letter should be stamped by the District Internal Security Officer (DISO).
• Supporting documents bearing a photo of the applicant. E.g. Family attestation card, Refugee Identity Card.

Can someone be a refugee in Uganda and a citizen of Uganda at the same time?

No. One cannot be a refugee and a citizen at the same time.  The moment a refugee becomes a citizen, they are removed from the refugee register by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).

Which organizations are responsible for the process of citizen registration in Uganda?

Citizen registration in Uganda is done by the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control of Uganda under the Ministry of Internal affairs.

Refugees must obtain a letter of recommendation from the Office of the Prime Minister before visiting the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control of Uganda to apply for citizenship.

Contact the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control

Located at Plot 65/67,

Old Port bell Road,

Kampala - Uganda

Tel: [phone]

Tel 2: [phone]

Email [e-mail]

If you have any questions, please contact Tubulire on Facebook via  https://www.facebook.com/Tubulire.Info or send us a message on WhatsApp [phone]  from Monday to Friday from 08:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.