Kagera Uganda-Tanzania border evictees petition court over citizenship, compensation
Published: 10/Oct/2023
Source: The Independent (Kampala)
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Persons who were expelled from Tanzania’s Kagera region as undocumented migrants have petitioned the East African Court of Justice for a declaration that the actions of the governments of Uganda and Tanzania contravene the treaty for the establishment of the East African Community.
The group of 1,240 through their lawyers led by the former Deputy Attorney General Mwesigwa Rukutana are also seeking compensation, damages or restitution from the government of Tanzania and an immediate order compelling Uganda to protect or recompense them for their losses.
According to records, the persons were evicted through a two-week ultimatum issued by the then-President of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete, on July 29, 2013, affecting thousands of individuals in the Kagera region, whom he characterized as undocumented and irregular migrants. Kikwete urged them to return to their respective countries of origin pointing out that they had shown disregard for Tanzania’s entry and naturalization regulations, exploiting the country’s hospitality.
Read further: https://www.independent.co.ug/kagera-uganda-tanzania-border-evictees-petition-court-over-citizenship-compensation/