Two Ugandan Generals Removed Over Citizenship Document Dispute

Kigali, February 23, 2026 - The Ugandan Army reassigned two senior officers from the Immigration Service following allegations that Rwandan-origin Ugandans were being denied access to citizenship documents and passports.

The officers affected are Maj Gen Apollo Kasiita-Gowa, former head of the Citizenship Inspection Service, and Brig Gen Johnson Abaho Namanya, former Commissioner for Passports. Both have been returned to Army Headquarters for reassignment to other military duties.

The decision follows earlier orders by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who announced the dismissal of officials accused of obstructing Rwandans living in Uganda from obtaining official documents.

The issue concerns the legal status of Rwandan-origin communities, recognized as a constitutionally protected ethnic group whose presence predates 1926. Many members of the community have long complained about delays and refusals in obtaining national identification and travel documents, despite being born and raised in Uganda.

Authorities have reiterated that the 1995 Constitution guarantees citizenship rights to eligible residents, and efforts are ongoing to review pending cases and facilitate access to official documentation.