Date of publication:

01/08/2026

Uganda

Do domestic laws and policies provide refugees and stateless persons access to naturalization?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Refugees
Analysis

The Constitution of Uganda, under article 13, states that the Parliament shall provide by law for the acquisition and loss of citizenship by naturalization. Further, the Refugees Act of 2006 recognizes naturalization and provides, under section 45, that the Constitution and any other law in force regulating naturalization shall apply to recognized refugees. The Refugees Act’s cross-reference to the Constitution and other laws in force means that recognized refugees must meet the requirements stipulated in the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act of 1999.

According to section 16 (5) of Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act (UCICA, cap.66) a person who wishes to be granted citizenship by naturalization should fulfill the requirements of having resided in Uganda for an aggregate period of twenty years; resided in Uganda throughout the period of twenty-four months immediately preceding the date of application; adequate knowledge of a prescribed vernacular language or of the English language; being of a good character; and intending, if naturalized, to continue to reside permanently in Uganda.

Therefore, recognized refugees who meet the requirements are eligible to apply for naturalization by submitting an application form, along with supporting documentation, to the National Citizenship and Immigration Board. The National Citizenship and Immigration Board, as per section 16 of the UCICA, that consists of a chairperson and not less than four other persons appointed by the President shall have the authority to grant and cancel citizenship by registration and naturalization. While as announced in the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, the applicant, must submit a Valid Certificate of Good Conduct from Interpol (issued within last 6 months), current passport (if any) and evidence that the applicant has resided in Uganda for a period of Uganda for 20 years (e.g. birth certificate, academic documents, Graduated tax tickets, baptism cards, land title/purchase agreements) Proof of profession/occupation among other requirements.  In addition, the applicant is required to pay an application fee of UGX 100,000.00.

 

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act

    Legal provision

    Section 16 - Citizenship by naturalisation

    (1) The board may grant to any alien citizenship by naturalisation subject to the provisions of this section. (2) The board shall issue to a person granted citizenship under this section a certificate of naturalisation. (3) An alien to whom a certificate of naturalisation is issued under this section shall become a citizen of Uganda by naturalisation from the date of the issue of the certificate of naturalisation. (4) A person who wishes to be granted citizenship by naturalisation shall make an application to the board in writing in the prescribed form and shall comply with the requirements of subsection (5). (5) The qualifications for naturalisation are that he or she— (a) has resided in Uganda for an aggregate period of twenty years; (b) has resided in Uganda throughout the period of twenty-four months immediately preceding the date of application; (c) has adequate knowledge of a prescribed vernacular language or of the English language; (d) is of a good character; and (e) intends, if naturalised, to continue to reside permanently in Uganda. (6) A person shall not be granted citizenship of Uganda under this section unless— (a) subject to section 19, where the person has more than one citizenship, he or she has made a declaration in writing in the prescribed form, renouncing any other nationality or citizenship he or she possesses; and (b) he or she has taken an oath of allegiance in the prescribed form in the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution and set out in the Third Schedule to this Act. (7) The board shall refuse to grant to any alien citizenship by naturalisation if his or her immigration file contains substantial inconsistencies as to put his or her demeanour in issue. (8) Subject to the provisions of the Constitution, the Minister may, where he or she is satisfied that reciprocal provisions are or may be made in respect of Uganda citizens under the law of any prescribed country, as regards acquisition of citizenship in the prescribed country, and that it is desirable so to do, by statutory order, make provision for reciprocal acquisitions of citizenship by citizens from that prescribed country.

    Clause 7. Fourth Schedule (ss. 53, 54) -- Classes of entry permits

    Class F (Professionals) A member of a prescribed profession who intends to practice such profession in Uganda who satisfies the board that— (a) he or she is in possession of such qualifications as may be prescribed; (b) he or she is in possession of sufficient capital or assured income to enable him or her to give effect to his or her intention; and (c) has registered with the relevant professional body in Uganda