Uganda: House to consider Bill recognising indigenous communities

Published: 11/Nov/2021
Source: The Independent (Kampala)

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Parliament has granted leave to Kibanda South MP, Jacob Karubanga to introduce a Private Member’s Bill entitled, the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, seeking to recognise five indigenous communities.

The Bill when introduced seeks to amend the Third Schedule to the Constitution to recognise the Bakingwe, Sabot, Bahaya, Maragoli and Mososhek.

While moving the motion on Thursday, Karubanga said the indigenous groups existed in Uganda before 01 February 1926 but have never been included in the Third Schedule.

He added these communities cannot easily access social services, travel documents and identification cards and lacked social protection against loss of their identity and cultural norms.

“The lack of recognition of these communities has led to their assimilation by bigger tribes leading to the loss of their language, identity, culture and self-determination. Including them in the Constitution will strengthen their sense of belonging and identity as Ugandan citizens,” Karubanga said.

Read further: https://www.independent.co.ug/house-to-consider-bill-recognising-indigenous-communities/

Themes: Acquisition of nationality, Acquisition by children, Discrimination, Ethnic/Racial/Religious, Statelessness
Regions: Uganda
Year: 2021