Uganda: Dual citizenship holders petition court over fees
Published: 9/May/2016
Source: The Monitor (Kampala)
By EPHRAIM KASOZI
Kampala- Ugandans living abroad have petitioned the Constitutional Court challenging the legality of immigration control fees regulations of 2009 that levies visa entry fees and dual citizenship fees.
Through Frank Tumusiime & Company Advocates, the group of four Ugandans living abroad is challenging the current Immigration regulations, claiming they are inconsistent with the Constitution.
For instance, the group contends it discriminate against children by requiring that they only apply for dual citizenship when they are 18 years or above.
Mr Stephen Asiimwe, who lives in Luxembourg, Mr Joseph Kamara (Australia), Mr Stephen Twinoburyo (South Africa) and Ronnie Mayanja (US) say the practice of levying fees for student entry visas, dependant passes and children born to Ugandan citizens abroad contravenes Articles 10, Article 21(1) (2) (3) of the Constitution.
“…it discriminates Ugandan citizens living abroad by levying fees of Shs150,000 for acquisition of an ordinary Uganda passport while Uganda citizens in the diaspora are charged dual citizenship fees of $400 and an ordinary passport fee of Shs150,000,” the complaint filed on May 5, says.
The complainants now want court to order government to stop levying dependant fees, student entry visas and student visa fees on children born to Ugandan citizens abroad.
They also want court to declare that children born abroad maintain their Ugandan citizenship unless they choose to renounce it when they are 18 years or above.
The petitioners contend that the actions of government defy the principles of equality, democracy, freedom, social justice and progress.
Read further at The Monitor.