Uganda Act or statute

Parliament of Uganda

Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act

Jurisdiction: Uganda
Structure: 93 provisions
Citation: Chapter 66
Dates: As at 26 Mar 2015

More statute details

Dates: As at 26 Mar 2015

Source attribution: Source: Uganda Legal Information Institute

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Purpose and legislative effect

“The Minister may appoint different dates for different provisions of this Act to come into force.”

The Minister may appoint different dates for different provisions of this Act to come into force. Section contains a list of defined terms (for example: "alien", "board", "child", "Director", "entry permit", "dual citizenship", and others) used in the Act. Persons aggrieved by board decisions may appeal to the Minister within thirty days; the Minister may extend that period, decide on appeal (confirm, reverse, or refer), and persons may further appeal certain Minister decisions to the High Court within thirty days, whose decision is final. Members of the board, immigration officers, and persons acting under their directions are exempt from civil or criminal liability for acts or omissions done in good faith when exercising board functions. Establishes the National Citizenship and Immigration Board composition; requires board members to be Ugandan citizens of high moral character; sets four-year terms with one reappointment; permits remuneration determined by the Minister; allows the President to remove members only for specified grounds.

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Preliminary - Commencement

The Minister may appoint different dates for different provisions of this Act to come into force.

Section 1

Citizenship - Persons with dual citizenship not to hold certain offices of State

People who hold Ugandan citizenship and the citizenship of another country are not qualified to hold any offices of State set out in the Fifth Schedule; Parliament may amend that Schedule by resolution.

Section 19

Passports - Ugandan entitled to a passport

Every Ugandan is entitled to a passport or other travel documents.

Section 39

Immigration control - Place of deportation

A person against whom a deportation order has been made must be deported to the place from where they came or to any place they consent to, provided that place's Government consents to receive them.

Section 62

Miscellaneous - Transitional provision

Documents (entry permits, certificates, travel documents) valid immediately before this Act continue to have effect; the immigration department existing immediately before commencement must continue serving the board, subject to the Constitution.

Section 85

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Showing 93 of 93 provisions

Provision 42Repeal 24Offence 15Substitution 4

Part I

Preliminary

§ 1Preliminary - CommencementCommencement

The Minister may appoint different dates for different provisions of this Act to come into force.

Section Commencement Section This Act shall come into force on a date appoinreted by the Minister by statutory instrument; and the Minister may appoint different dates for different provisions of this Act to come into force.

Section 1Verify source

§ 2Preliminary - InterpretationRepeal

Section contains a list of defined terms (for example: "alien", "board", "child", "Director", "entry permit", "dual citizenship", and others) used in the Act.

Section Interpretation Section In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires— “ alien ” means any person who is not a citizen of Uganda; “ board ” means the National Citizenship and Immigration Board established under article 16 of the Constitution; “ chairperson ” means the chairperson of the board ; “ child ” means a person below the age of eighteen years and includes an adopted child; “ Civil Aviation Authority ” means any aviation body governing airline operations in Uganda; [definition of "commissioner" repealed by section 2(a) of Act 24 of 2006 ] “ convention travel document ” means a travel document issued to a refugee under the relevant refugee instruments and the Control of Alien Refugees Act; “ currency point ” means the value specified in relation to a currency point in the First Schedule to this Act; “ destitute person ” means a person who is, in the opinion of the Director , incapable of supporting himself or herself; “ Director ” means the Director for Immigration established under section 8 ; [definition of "Director" inserted by section 2(b) of Act 24 of 2006 ] “ document of identity ” means a document establishing the nationality and identity of the holder for the time being in force issued or renewed by the government of the State of which the holder is a subject or citizen, or some valid document of identity satisfactorily establishing the holder’s nationality or identity; “ dual citizenship ” means the simultaneous possession of two citizenships one of which is Ugandan; [definition of "dual citizenship" inserted by section 1 of Act 5 of 2009 ] “ entry permit ” means a permit granted under section 54 ; “ function ” includes a power and a duty; “ habitual criminal ” means a person who is not less than thirty years of age and who has been convicted at least four times since attaining the age of sixteen years of offences punishable with imprisonment of two years or more and on at least two of those occasions has been sentenced to imprisonment; “ immigration officer ” includes the Director ; “ Minister ” means the Minister responsible for internal affairs; “ pass ” means a special pass, pupils or students pass, prohibited immigrant pass, interstate pass, visitors pass, in-transit pass, dependent pass and reentry pass; “ parastatal ” means a body in which the Government owns a controlling interest; “ prescribed country ” means a country declared by the Minister by statutory order with the approval of Parliament to be a prescribed country for the purposes of this Act; “ refugee ” means, subject to the Constitution, a person who is recognised as a refugee by the Government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) under the relevant refugee instruments and the Control of Alien Refugees Act; “ relevant refugee instruments ” means the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the status of refugees, as amended by the 1967 protocol relating to the status of refugees and the 1969 Organisation of African Unity Convention governing specific aspects of refugees problems in Africa and any other international convention or other instrument prescribed by the Minister by statutory instrument; “ undesirable immigrant ” is an undesirable immigrant within the meaning of section 52 (g) and (h).

Section 2Verify source

Part II

National Citizenship and Immigration Board

§ 10National Citizenship and Immigration Board - AppealsProvision

Persons aggrieved by board decisions may appeal to the Minister within thirty days; the Minister may extend that period, decide on appeal (confirm, reverse, or refer), and persons may further appeal certain Minister decisions to the High Court within thirty days, whose decision is final.

Section Appeals Section Any person aggrieved by any decision of the board under this Act may, within thirty days after the decision is communicated to him or her, appeal to the Minister against the decision. The Minister may, where it appears to him or her to be just, extend the period within which an appeal may be made under this section. The Minister may, upon application by the person aggrieved by the decision, extend the period within which any appeal may be made under subsection (2) if it appears to the Minister just so to do. The Minister may on appeal under this section confirm or reverse the decision of the board or refer the matter to the board for reconsideration. Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Minister on an appeal from a decision of the board under Part IV or V of this Act may, within thirty days after the decision is communicated to him or her, appeal to the High Court against the Minister ’s decision; and the decision of the High Court shall be final.

Section 10Verify source

§ 11National Citizenship and Immigration Board - Protection of members of the board and immigration officers acting in good faithProvision

Members of the board, immigration officers, and persons acting under their directions are exempt from civil or criminal liability for acts or omissions done in good faith when exercising board functions.

Section Protection of members of the board and immigration officers acting in good faith Section No member of the board or immigration officer or person acting on the directions of such a person shall be subject to any civil or criminal liability for anything done or omitted to be done in good faith in the exercise of the functions of the board , or a member of the board or an immigration officer .

Section 11Verify source

§ 3National Citizenship and Immigration Board - The boardSubstitution

Establishes the National Citizenship and Immigration Board composition; requires board members to be Ugandan citizens of high moral character; sets four-year terms with one reappointment; permits remuneration determined by the Minister; allows the President to remove members only for specified grounds.

Section The board Section A member of the board may be removed from office by the President only for— The National Citizenship and Immigration Board established by article 16 of the Constitution shall consist of a chairperson , a deputy chairperson and not more than five other persons appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament. [subsection (1) substituted by section 2(a) of Act 5 of 2009 ] Each member of the board shall be a citizen of Uganda and a person of high moral character and proven integrity. inability to perform the functions of his or her office arising out of physical or mental incapacity; incompetence; conflict of interest; or being convicted of a criminal offence in Uganda or elsewhere. Subject to subsection (3), a member of the board shall hold office for a period of four years and is eligible for reappointment for one term only. A member of the board may be paid such remuneration as the Minister may, in consultation with the Minister responsible for finance, determine. Members of the board shall, subject to the other provisions of this section, hold office on such terms as may be determined by the Minister .

Section 3Verify source

§ 4National Citizenship and Immigration Board - Seal of the boardProvision

The board must have a seal.

Section Seal of the board Section The board shall have a seal which shall be in such a form as the board may determine and shall, subject to the provisions of any law, be applied in such circumstances as the board may determine.

Section 4Verify source

§ 5National Citizenship and Immigration Board - Meetings of the boardProvision

The provisions of the Second Schedule apply in relation to meetings of the board.

Section Meetings of the board Section The provisions of the Second Schedule to this Act shall have effect in relation to meetings of the board .

Section 5Verify source

§ 6National Citizenship and Immigration Board - Secretary to the boardProvision

The Director must act as secretary to the board and perform functions for board meetings as the board directs.

Section Secretary to the board Section The Director shall act as secretary to the board and shall perform such functions in relation to meetings of the board as the board may direct.

Section 6Verify source

§ 7National Citizenship and Immigration Board - Functions of the boardAmendment

The board is required to carry out functions including issuing Uganda passports and other travel documents; granting and cancelling citizenship by registration and naturalisation; granting and cancelling immigration permits; determining questions about implementation or referred by the Minister; performing functions assigned under the Act or other enactments; and performing any other function determined by the Minister.

Section Functions of the board Section The functions of the board shall be— [paragraph (a) deleted by section 86(4)(a) of Act 4 of 2015 ] issuing Uganda passports and other travel documents; granting and cancelling citizenship by registration and naturalisation; granting and cancelling immigration permits; [paragraph (e) deleted by section 86(4)(a) of Act 4 of 2015 ] determining any questions which may arise in the implementation of this Act or any questions which may be referred to it by the Minister ; performing such other functions as may be assigned to it by or under this Act or any other enactment; and performing any other function determined by the Minister . The functions of the board set out in subsection (1)(b) and (d) may be decentralised to the district level. [subsection (2) amended by section 86(4)(b) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 7Verify source

§ 8National Citizenship and Immigration Board - Director and other immigration officersProvision

The Director must give effect to board decisions; immigration officers must assist the board and perform duties as directed; the board may review actions taken by immigration officers.

Section Director and other immigration officers Section There shall be a Director for immigration and such number of other immigration officers as may be necessary for the efficient implementation of this Act. The Director shall be responsible for giving effect to the decisions of the board and shall be assisted by immigration officers all of whom shall assist the board in the performance of its functions under this Act and shall perform such duties in relation to them as the board may direct. Any functions conferred on the Director and other immigration officers by this Act shall be performed on behalf of and subject to the directions of the board . Subject to this Act, the board may review any action taken by an immigration officer on behalf of the board .

Section 8Verify source

§ 8National Citizenship and Immigration Board - Vote of the boardProvision

The board must have its own vote.

Section Vote of the board Section The board shall have a vote of its own. Non-tax revenue collected by the board shall be retained by the board to be appropriated in Aid. [section 8A inserted by section 3 of Act 5 of 2009 ]

Section 8Verify source

§ 9National Citizenship and Immigration Board - Minister’s power of directionProvision

The Minister may give general policy directions to the board or any immigration officer; the board or immigration officer must comply with those directions.

Section Minister’s power of direction Section The Minister may, subject to this Act, give general policy directions to the board or any immigration officer , and the board or immigration officer shall comply with such directions.

Section 9Verify source

Part III

Citizenship

§ 12Citizenship - Citizenship by birthProvision

Specifies who is a citizen of Uganda by birth.

Section Citizenship by birth Section The following persons shall be citizens of Uganda by birth — every person born in Uganda one of whose parents or grandparents is or was a member of any of the indigenous communities existing and residing within the borders of Uganda as at the first day of February, 1926, and set out in the Third Schedule to the Constitution; and every person born in or outside Uganda one of whose parents or grandparents was at the time of birth of that person a citizen of Uganda by birth.

Section 12Verify source

§ 13Citizenship - Foundlings and adopted childrenProvision

Foundlings under five found in Uganda with unknown parents are presumed citizens by birth; a child under eighteen adopted by a Ugandan citizen may be registered as a citizen on application.

Section Foundlings and adopted children Section A child of not more than five years of age found in Uganda whose parents are not known shall be presumed to be a citizen of Uganda by birth. A child under the age of eighteen years neither of whose parents is a citizen of Uganda, who is adopted by a citizen of Uganda, shall, on application, be registered as a citizen of Uganda. Subject to this Act, the procedure for registration as a citizen under subsection (2) shall be as prescribed by regulations made under section 82 .

Section 13Verify source

§ 14Citizenship - Citizenship by registrationCommencement

Citizenship by registration: certain categories of persons (including persons born in Uganda, spouses of Ugandan citizens after five years of marriage, long-term residents, and those resident since the Constitution’s commencement) may be registered as citizens of Uganda upon application.

Section Citizenship by registration Section Every person born in Uganda— at the time of whose birth— The following persons shall, upon application, be registered as citizens of Uganda— Where a person has been registered as a citizen of Uganda under subsection (2)(a) and the marriage by virtue of which that person was registered is— neither of his or her parents and none of his or her grandparents had diplomatic status in Uganda; and neither of his or her parents and none of his or her grandparents was a refugee in Uganda; and who has lived continuously in Uganda since the ninth day of October 1962, every person married to a Ugandan citizen, upon proof of a legal and subsisting marriage of five years or more; every person who has legally and voluntarily migrated to and has been living in Uganda for at least ten years; [paragraph (b) substituted by section 4 of Act 5 of 2009 ] every person who, on the commencement of the Constitution had lived in Uganda for at least twenty years. Subsection (2)(a) applies also to a person who was married to a citizen of Uganda who but for his or her death would have continued to be a citizen of Uganda under the Constitution. annulled or otherwise declared void by a court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction; or dissolved,

Section 14Verify source

§ 15Citizenship - Procedure for registration of citizenshipSubstitution

Section Procedure for registration of citizenship Section A person shall not be registered as a citizen of Uganda unless he or she— Any person to whom section 14 (1) or (2) applies may apply to the board in writing in the prescribed form, and the board shall, on proof to its satisfaction that section 14 applies to that person, register that person as a citizen. The board shall upon registration of any person under subsection (1) issue to that person in the prescribed form a certificate of registration as a citizen of Uganda. where a person has more than one citizenship, he or she has made a declaration in writing in the Form specified in Form B of the Third Schedule to this Act, renouncing one of the nationalities or citizenships he or she may possess; [paragraph (a) substituted by section 5 of Act 5 of 2009 ] has taken the oath of allegiance specified in the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution and set out in Form A in the Third Schedule to this Act; has made and registered a declaration of his or her intentions concerning residence as specified in Form C of the Third Schedule to this Act. Regulations made under section 82 may make further provision in respect of the registration of citizens by registration not inconsistent with the Constitution or this Act.

Section 15Verify source

§ 16Citizenship - Citizenship by naturalisationProvision

Sets who may be naturalised, requires applicants to apply in writing and meet conditions, requires the board to issue a certificate, makes an applicant a citizen from the date of issue, allows the board to refuse if immigration file contains substantial inconsistencies, and empowers the Minister to make reciprocal arrangements by order.

Section Citizenship by naturalisation Section The qualifications for naturalisation are that he or she— A person shall not be granted citizenship of Uganda under this section unless— The board may grant to any alien citizenship by naturalisation subject to the provisions of this section. The board shall issue to a person granted citizenship under this section a certificate of naturalisation. 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. 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). has resided in Uganda for an aggregate period of twenty years; has resided in Uganda throughout the period of twenty-four months immediately preceding the date of application; has adequate knowledge of a prescribed vernacular language or of the English language; is of a good character; and intends, if naturalised, to continue to reside permanently in Uganda. 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 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. 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. 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.

Section 16Verify source

§ 17Citizenship - Loss of citizenship by registrationSubstitution

The board may deprive a person of citizenship acquired by registration on specified grounds (voluntary foreign citizenship, hostile military service, fraud/deceit/bribery/false statements in application, or espionage).

Section Loss of citizenship by registration Section The board may deprive a person of his or her citizenship if acquired by registration, on any of the following grounds— subject to section 19 , voluntary acquisition of the citizenship of another country; voluntary service in the armed forces or security forces of a country hostile to or at war with Uganda; acquisition of Uganda citizenship by fraud, deceit, bribery or having made intentional and deliberate false statements in his or her application for citizenship; espionage against Uganda. For the avoidance of doubt, this section applies to a person registered as a citizen of Uganda under section 13 or 14 . [section 17 substituted by section 7 of Act 5 of 2009 ]

Section 17Verify source

§ 18Citizenship - Loss of citizenship by naturalisationOffence

The board may, by order, deprive a person of citizenship by naturalisation on specified grounds including fraud, service for a hostile country, espionage, treason, certain sentences within five years after naturalisation, criminal acts against state security, renunciation, and voluntary acquisition of another citizenship.

Section Loss of citizenship by naturalisation Section Subject to this section, the board may, by order, deprive a person of his or her citizenship by naturalisation on any of the following grounds— Subject to this section, the board may, by order, deprive a citizen of Uganda by naturalisation of his or her citizenship by naturalisation if the board is satisfied that the naturalisation certificate was obtained by means of fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material fact. subject to section 19 , voluntary acquisition of the citizenship of another country; voluntary service in the armed forces or security forces of a country hostile to or at war with Uganda; acquisition of Uganda citizenship by fraud, deceit, bribery or having made intentional and deliberate false statements in his or her application for citizenship; espionage against Uganda; if he or she is convicted of an offence of treason against Uganda; if he or she is, within five years after the date of naturalisation as a citizen of Uganda, sentenced by a court of competent jurisdiction to imprisonment for a term of five years or more; if he or she commits a criminal act against the security of the state; if he or she renounces his or her Uganda citizenship.

Section 18Verify source

§ 19Citizenship - Dual citizenshipSubstitution

Ugandan citizens aged eighteen or over who voluntarily acquire another country's citizenship may keep their Ugandan citizenship, and non-citizens who acquire Ugandan citizenship may keep their other citizenship, both subject to the Constitution, this Act and any law enacted by Parliament.

Section Dual citizenship Section A citizen of Uganda of eighteen years and above who voluntarily acquires the citizenship of a country other than Uganda may retain the citizenship of Uganda subject to the Constitution, this Act and any law enacted by Parliament. A person who is not a citizen of Uganda may, on acquiring the citizenship of Uganda, subject to the Constitution, this Act and any other law enacted by Parliament, retain the citizenship of another country. [section 19 substituted by section 9 of Act 5 of 2009 ]

Section 19Verify source

§ 19Citizenship - Acquisition by a citizen of Uganda of the citizenship of another country while retaining the citizenship of UgandaProvision

A citizen of Uganda who wants to acquire another country's citizenship while keeping Ugandan citizenship must give written notice to the board and provide specified supporting documents.

Section Acquisition by a citizen of Uganda of the citizenship of another country while retaining the citizenship of Uganda Section The notice under subsection (1) shall be in the prescribed form and shall be accompanied by the following— A citizen of Uganda who desires to acquire the citizenship of another country while retaining his or her citizenship of Uganda shall give notice in writing to the board of his or her application for the citizenship of another country. a statutory declaration stating that he or she is a citizen of Uganda only; where the person is a citizen of Uganda and another country, a declaration of renunciation of the citizenship of the third country; evidence that the applicant is of or above eighteen years of age; a copy of the application for citizenship of that other country; any other relevant information.

Section 19Verify source

§ 19Citizenship - Acquisition by a non citizen of Uganda of Uganda citizenship while retaining the citizenship of another countryProvision

Lists the conditions a non-Ugandan must meet to acquire Ugandan citizenship while retaining another citizenship.

Section Acquisition by a non citizen of Uganda of Uganda citizenship while retaining the citizenship of another country Section In addition to the conditions prescribed in subsection (1) a non-Ugandan citizen who wishes to acquire dual citizenship under this section shall— A non-Ugandan citizen who wishes to acquire the citizenship of Uganda while retaining the citizenship of another country shall satisfy the conditions for citizenship specified in sections 14 and 16 . satisfy the board that the laws of his or her country of origin permit him or her to hold dual citizenship ; not be the subject of a deportation order from Uganda territory or any other country; not be under a sentence of death or imprisonment exceeding nine months imposed by a competent court, without the option of a fine; satisfy the board that he or she has been resident in Uganda for not less than ten years; satisfy the board that he or she has adequate knowledge of any prescribed vernacular language in Uganda or of English or Swahili; satisfy the board that he or she has not been in Uganda as a refugee or as a diplomat; he or she possesses rare skills and capacity for technology transfer; be willing to take the oath of allegiance; be a person of sound mind.

Section 19Verify source

§ 19Citizenship - General conditions for dual citizenshipProvision

A person applying for dual citizenship must, before registration, satisfy the board that they meet a set of listed conditions.

Section General conditions for dual citizenship Section A person applying for dual citizenship shall, before being registered, satisfy the board that— he or she is not engaged in espionage against Uganda; he or she has not served in the voluntary service of the armed forces or security forces of a country hostile to or at war with Uganda; he or she has not attempted to acquire Ugandan citizenship by fraud, deceit or bribery or by intentional or otherwise deliberate false statements in an application for citizenship; he or she does not have a criminal record; the laws of his or her country of origin permit dual citizenship ; he or she is, at the time of application, of or above eighteen years of age; he or she is of sound mind; does not hold more than one citizenship; is not an undischarged bankrupt or insolvent.

Section 19Verify source

§ 19Citizenship - Persons with dual citizenship not to hold certain offices of StateAmendment

Section Persons with dual citizenship not to hold certain offices of State Section A person who holds the citizenship of another country in addition to the citizenship of Uganda is not qualified to hold any of the offices of State specified in the Fifth Schedule to this Act. Parliament may by resolution amend the Fifth Schedule. A resolution passed under this section shall, as soon as possible, be published in the Gazette . [section 19D inserted by section 10 of Act 5 of 2009 ]

Section 19Verify source

§ 19Citizenship - Termination of citizenship of UgandaProvision

The board may, by order, deprive a person of Ugandan citizenship where the person holds Ugandan citizenship in addition to another country's citizenship by virtue of dual nationality under section 19A or 19B, upon grounds in sections 17 or 18, or if that person acquires a third citizenship.

Section Termination of citizenship of Uganda Section For the avoidance of doubt, where by virtue of the holding of dual nationality granted under section 19A or 19B , a person holds the citizenship of Uganda in addition to the citizenship of another country, the board may by order deprive that person of the citizenship of Uganda— upon any of the grounds specified in sections 17 or 18 ; or if that person acquires a third citizenship.

Section 19Verify source

§ 19Citizenship - Consequences of loss of Ugandan citizenshipProvision

If a person ceases to be a Ugandan citizen, they are treated as a citizen of their prior country; they lose Ugandan citizen rights except legally acquired property rights; and they remain liable for acts done before loss of citizenship.

Section Consequences of loss of Ugandan citizenship Section Where a person ceases to be a citizen of Uganda, he or she shall be regarded as a citizen or national of the country, of which he or she was a citizen or national before becoming a Ugandan citizen. Where a person ceases to be a Ugandan citizen, he or she shall cease to enjoy the rights of a Ugandan citizen except rights to property acquired legally while the person was a citizen. Where a person ceases to be a Ugandan citizen, he or she shall not thereby be discharged from any obligation, duty or liability in respect of any act done or committed before he or she ceased to be a citizen of Uganda. [section 19F inserted by section 10 of Act 5 of 2009 ]

Section 19Verify source

§ 19Citizenship - Re-acquisition of Ugandan citizenship by a UgandanProvision

Former Ugandan citizens who renounced citizenship at birth may apply to the board to re-acquire Ugandan citizenship; the board may grant re-acquisition if satisfied there is no threat to public order and security; successful applicants must take the oath of allegiance.

Section Re-acquisition of Ugandan citizenship by a Ugandan Section A person who was a citizen of Uganda by birth and who on acquiring the citizenship of another country renounced his or her Ugandan citizenship, may apply to the board in the prescribed manner to re-acquire his or her former Ugandan citizenship. The board may allow a former Ugandan citizen to re-acquire his or her Ugandan citizenship if it is satisfied that the grounds for the loss of his or her Ugandan citizenship are of no adverse effect to the public order and security of Uganda. A person who re-acquires Ugandan citizenship under this section shall be required to take the oath of allegiance. [section 19G inserted by section 10 of Act 5 of 2009 ]

Section 19Verify source

§ 20Citizenship - Renunciation of citizenshipProvision

A citizen of Uganda who acquires foreign citizenship may renounce Ugandan citizenship by making the prescribed declaration; the board must register such a declaration and, upon registration, the person ceases to be a citizen; the board may refuse registration during a war with the foreign country or if registration would be contrary to public policy.

Section Renunciation of citizenship Section If a citizen of Uganda of full age and capacity who acquires citizenship of a foreign country makes a declaration in the prescribed manner of renunciation of citizenship of Uganda, the board shall cause the declaration to be registered; and upon registration, that person shall cease to be a citizen of Uganda. The board may refuse to register any declaration of the kind mentioned in subsection (1) if it is made during any war in which Uganda may be engaged with that foreign country or if in the opinion of the board it is otherwise contrary to public policy.

Section 20Verify source

§ 21Citizenship - Effect of renunciation and of deprivationOffence

If the board orders deprivation of a person's Ugandan citizenship under section 17 or 18, that person must cease to be a citizen upon the making of the order; renunciation or deprivation does not remove liability for offences committed before it.

Section Effect of renunciation and of deprivation Section A citizen of Uganda who is deprived of his or her citizenship by an order of the board under section 17 or 18 shall, upon the making of the order, cease to be a citizen of Uganda. The renunciation or deprivation by or of any person of his or her citizenship under this Part of this Act shall not affect the liability of that person for any offence committed by him or her before the renunciation or deprivation of his or her citizenship.

Section 21Verify source

§ 22Citizenship - EvidenceProvision

Documents, register entries, certified copies, and statements made under this Part shall be received in evidence and, unless the contrary is proved, are taken to have been made by or on behalf of the person they purport to be by.

Section Evidence Section Every application to the board under this Part shall— Every document purporting to be a notice, certificate, order or declaration, or any entry in a register, or a subscription of an oath of allegiance or declaration of renunciation, given, granted or made under the provisions of this Part shall be received in evidence and shall, unless the contrary is proved, be taken to have been given, granted or made by or on behalf of the person by whom or on whose behalf it purports to have been given, granted or made. Prima facie evidence of any document of the kind mentioned in subsection (1) may be given by production of a document purporting to be certified as a true copy of it by such person and in such manner as may be prescribed. Any entry in a register made under this Part, or a certified copy of such entry, shall be received as evidence of the matter stated in the entry. be supported by such evidence of the statements made in it as may be prescribed; be verified by an affidavit or declaration made before a magistrate or a commissioner of oaths.

Section 22Verify source

§ 23Citizenship - Offences and penalties under Part IIIOffence

It is an offence for any person to knowingly make a materially false statement to procure anything under this Part, and for any person to fail to comply with regulation requirements about acquiring a certificate of registration or naturalisation; both offences carry on-conviction penalties of a fine not exceeding one hundred and fifty currency points or imprisonment not exceeding two years or both.

Section Offences and penalties under Part III Section Any person who, for the purpose of procuring anything to be done under this Part, makes any statement which he or she knows to be false in a material particular commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one hundred and fifty currency points or imprisonment not exceeding two years or both. Any person who fails to comply with any requirement imposed on him or her by any regulations made under this Part of this Act with respect to the acquisition of a certificate of registration or naturalisation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one hundred and fifty currency points or imprisonment not exceeding two years or both.

Section 23Verify source

§ 24Citizenship - Revocation and cancellation of citizenshipProvision

A person granted registration or naturalisation must produce, within ninety days, evidence that they have renounced any other nationality or citizenship, otherwise their registration or naturalisation will be cancelled.

Section Revocation and cancellation of citizenship Section Where a person to whom a certificate of registration or naturalisation as a citizen of Uganda has been granted under this Act does not produce within ninety days to an officer acting on behalf of the board sufficient evidence to satisfy the officer that he or she has renounced any other nationality or citizenship which he or she may have possessed, the registration or naturalisation of that person as a citizen of Uganda shall be cancelled; and he or she shall be taken never to have been so registered.

Section 24Verify source

§ 25Citizenship - Residence under authority of certain passes not to be residence for acquisition of citizenship by registration or naturalisationProvision

Periods of stay in Uganda while holding certain temporary passes (special pass; dependent pass to a holder of an entry permit other than as wife or husband; pupils pass; visitors pass; convention travel document) are excluded when calculating residence time for acquiring citizenship by registration or naturalisation.

Section Residence under authority of certain passes not to be residence for acquisition of citizenship by registration or naturalisation Section Notwithstanding any provision of this Act or of any other law, any period of residence in Uganda under the authority of any— special pass ; dependent pass to a holder of an entry permit other than as wife or husband; pupils pass ; visitors pass ; convention travel document , shall not be taken into account in computing the time of residence in Uganda for purposes of acquisition of citizenship by registration or naturalisation.

Section 25Verify source

§ 26Citizenship - Regulations under Part IIIAmendment

The Minister may make regulations under section 82 about the listed matters relating to Part III (forms, registration, oath administration, notices, cancellation/amendment of registration or naturalisation, fees, evidence, and incidental matters).

Section Regulations under Part III Section The Minister may make regulations under section 82 in relation to the following— prescribing any matter which is to be prescribed under this Part of this Act; prescribing the forms for application for citizenship under this Act; the registration of any matter required or authorised under this Part to be registered; the administration of or taking of the oath of allegiance under this Part and the time within which the oath of allegiance shall be taken; prescribing the procedure for applying to the board for and granting of extension of time for taking any of the steps described in section 19 (3)(b); the giving of any notice required or authorised to be given to any person under this Part of the Act; cancellation and amendment of registration or naturalisation relating to persons deprived of citizenship under this Part, and requiring such certificates of registration or naturalisation to be delivered up for those purposes; prescribing forms to be used for the purposes of this Part; prescribing the payment of fees to be paid in respect of anything to be done under this Part; prescribing the evidence to be provided of any statement made in any application; and for any matters incidental to and connected with the matters mentioned in this section.

Section 26Verify source

Part IV

***

§ 27*** - ***Repeal

Section 27 was repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 27 repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 27Verify source

§ 28*** - ***Repeal

Section 28 was repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 28 repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 28Verify source

§ 29*** - ***Repeal

Section 29 has been repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 29 repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 29Verify source

§ 30*** - ***Repeal

Section 30 was repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 30 repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 30Verify source

§ 31*** - ***Repeal

Section 31 was repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 31 repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 31Verify source

§ 32*** - ***Repeal

Section 32 was repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 32 repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 32Verify source

§ 33*** - ***Repeal

Section 33 repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 33 repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 33Verify source

§ 34*** - ***Repeal

Section 34 is repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 34 repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 34Verify source

§ 35*** - ***Repeal

Section 35 was repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 35 repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 35Verify source

§ 36*** - ***Repeal

Section 36 repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 36 repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 36Verify source

§ 37*** - ***Repeal

section 37 repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015

Section *** Section [section 37 repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 37Verify source

§ 38*** - ***Repeal

Section 38 repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 38 repealed by section 86(4)(c) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 38Verify source

Part V

Passports

§ 39Passports - Ugandan entitled to a passportProvision

Every Ugandan is entitled to a passport or other travel documents.

Section Ugandan entitled to a passport Section Every Ugandan shall have the right to a passport or other travel documents.

Section 39Verify source

§ 40Passports - Power to issue passportsProvision

Passport control officers must be immigration officers; those officers shall issue or renew passports and travel documents on behalf of the board to persons who qualify; the board may delegate issuing functions to Uganda diplomatic missions and holds administration, control and supervision of passports and travel documents.

Section Power to issue passports Section There shall be a passport control officer and a deputy passport control officer who shall be immigration officers. The passport control officer and the deputy passport control officer shall, subject to this section, issue or renew on behalf of the board passports and other travel documents to persons who qualify. The board may delegate its functions relating to the issue or renewal of passports and other travel documents to Uganda diplomatic missions abroad. The administration, control and supervision of all matters relating to passports and other travel documents shall be vested in the board . An application for a travel document shall be in Form G in the Third Schedule.

Section 40Verify source

§ 41Passports - Types of passportsProvision

The Minister may prescribe, from time to time, the types and categories of passports and other travel documents by regulations made under section 82.

Section Types of passports Section There shall be such types and categories of passports and other travel documents as the Minister may, from time to time, prescribe by regulations made under section 82 .

Section 41Verify source

§ 42Passports - Period of validityProvision

A passport issued under this Act is valid for up to ten years and may be renewed for ten years; other travel documents have validity periods set by the board.

Section Period of validity Section Any passport issued under this Act shall be valid for a period not exceeding ten years, but may be renewed for a period of ten years at a time. Other travel documents shall be valid for such period as the board may from time to time determine.

Section 42Verify source

§ 43Passports - Passport to be valid for all countriesProvision

A passport issued under section 40 is valid for all countries except any countries specified in the passport as not valid.

Section Passport to be valid for all countries Section A passport issued under section 40 shall be valid for all countries except for any countries specified in the passport in respect of which it is stated not to be valid.

Section 43Verify source

§ 44Passports - Endorsement of childrenProvision

A passport holder may apply to have their children endorsed in the passport, except children aged sixteen or older who must have their own passport.

Section Endorsement of children Section A holder of a passport may, on application, have his or her children endorsed in the passport, except a child of or above the age of sixteen years who shall hold a separate passport.

Section 44Verify source

§ 45Passports - Requirements before issue of a passportProvision

Applicants for a passport must produce evidence that they are citizens of Uganda; the board may require applicants to comply with specified requirements such as producing their national identification number.

Section Requirements before issue of a passport Section Any person who applies for a passport shall produce evidence to the effect that he or she is a citizen of Uganda and may be required by the board to comply with any of the following — to produce his or her national identification number; any other requirement which may be prescribed by the board .

Section 45Verify source

§ 46Passports - Grounds for refusal to grant a passportProvision

The board may refuse to issue a passport when, in its opinion, issuing it would be prejudicial to the public interest, including to persons with pending criminal proceedings or habitual criminals.

Section Grounds for refusal to grant a passport Section The board may refuse to issue a passport where, in its opinion, the issue of a passport to any person would be prejudicial to the public interest and, in particular, may refuse to issue a passport to any of the following— a person against whom any criminal proceedings are pending in any court; a habitual criminal .

Section 46Verify source

§ 47Passports - Withdrawal of passportsOffence

The board may order withdrawal or temporary seizure of a passport in specified circumstances; the passport must be returned to the board, and failure to do so is an offence punishable by a fine up to thirty currency points or imprisonment up to six months or both.

Section Withdrawal of passports Section The board may order the withdrawal or temporary seizure of a passport from any holder in the following circumstances— where the holder is lawfully charged with a felony; where the holder is a habitual criminal ; where the holder is deported or repatriated to Uganda and the conditions or reasons for his or her deportation or repatriation are still standing; and subject to the Constitution, any other circumstance which, in the opinion of the board , would be prejudicial to the interests of the State or of the holder of the passport. Where a passport is withdrawn under this section, the holder or any person responsible for the holder shall return the passport to the board . Any person who contravenes subsection (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding thirty currency points or imprisonment not exceeding six months or both.

Section 47Verify source

§ 48Passports - Offences and penalties under Part VOffence

Creates offences for failing to surrender passports or travel documents and for making, forging, altering, issuing or possessing passports without lawful authority, each carrying specified fines and/or imprisonment terms.

Section Offences and penalties under Part V Section Any person who fails to surrender a passport or any travel document when required to do so by the board commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding thirty currency points or imprisonment not exceeding six months or both. Any person who, without lawful authority of the board , makes, prints or binds any material, whether in part or in whole, with intent to produce a passport or any other travel document commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding four hundred currency points or imprisonment not exceeding five years or both. Any person who unlawfully alters, forges, causes to be altered or forged any part of a passport or other travel document commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one hundred currency points or imprisonment not exceeding two years or both. Any person who without lawful authority issues, renews, distributes or has in his or her possession any passport or other travel document commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding sixty currency points or imprisonment not exceeding two years or both. Any person who fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the issue of a passport commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding sixty currency points or imprisonment not exceeding two years or both.

Section 48Verify source

§ 49Passports - Regulations under Part VProvision

Regulations may be made under section 82 to prescribe the form of applications under this Part, to prescribe the fees payable on issuing passports and other travel documents, and generally to carry out the provisions of this Part of the Act.

Section Regulations under Part V Section Regulations may be made under section 82 — prescribing the form of applications under this Part; prescribing the fees to be paid on issuing of a passport and other travel documents; and generally for better carrying out the provisions of this Part of this Act.

Section 49Verify source

Part VI

Immigration control

§ 50Immigration control - Powers and duties of immigration officersProvision

An immigration officer may, for the purposes of exercising functions under the Act, interrogate persons (among other powers listed).

Section Powers and duties of immigration officers Section An immigration officer may, for the purposes of exercising his or her functions under this Act— interrogate a person whom he or she reasonably believes— require a person who desires to enter Uganda— In the case of entry and search of premises under subsection (1)(f), the immigration officer shall act under the authority of a search warrant except— An immigration officer may require any person— An immigration officer may— without a search warrant, enter upon and search any ship, aircraft, train or vehicle in Uganda; is about to enter or leave Uganda; is a prohibited immigrant; or is able to give any information regarding any infringement or suspected infringement of this Act or any regulations made under this Act; to make and sign a declaration in such form as may be prescribed under this Act; to submit himself or herself to a medical examination by a Government medical practitioner; require the person who is in charge of a ship, aircraft, train or vehicle arriving from or leaving for any place outside Uganda to furnish a list in duplicate, signed by that person, of the names of all persons on board ; if there is reasonable cause to suspect that a person has contravened any provision of this Act or that his or her presence in Uganda is unlawful, and if in order to prevent the purpose of this Act from being defeated it is necessary to arrest that person immediately, arrest that person without warrant, and the provisions of section 17 of the Criminal Procedure Code Act shall apply to that arrest; enter upon any premises during reasonable hours and investigate any matter relating to immigration. where the immigration officer has reasonable ground to believe that there is on the premises a person who has contravened any provision of this Act or any regulation made under it; where he or she has reasonable grounds to believe that there is in the premises evidence relating to any contravention of this Act or any regulation made under it which is likely to be lost or destroyed without such entry and search or investigation. to declare whether or not he or she is carrying or conveying a document; to produce to the officer a document he or she is carrying or conveying. search a person and any baggage belonging to that person or under his or her control, in order to ascertain whether that person is carrying a document; and examine and detain for such time as the immigration officer thinks proper for the purpose of examining, a document produced to him or her or found on search. An immigration officer may, in writing, require a person to attend at his or her office and furnish to that officer such information, documents and other particulars as are necessary for the purposes of determining whether that person should be permitted to remain in Uganda.

Section 50Verify source

§ 51Immigration control - Inspectors and investigatorsProvision

The Director may designate immigration inspectors and investigators as necessary.

Section Inspectors and investigators Section The Director may designate from among immigration officers such number of immigration inspectors and investigators as are necessary for carrying out the purpose of this Act.

Section 51Verify source

§ 52Immigration control - Prohibited immigrantsOffence

Persons who fall into any of the listed categories are "prohibited immigrants" and their entry into or presence in Uganda is unlawful except as provided by the Act.

Section Prohibited immigrants Section The following persons are prohibited immigrants and their entry into or presence within Uganda is unlawful except in accordance with the provisions of this Act— any person who— a destitute person ; refuses to submit to a medical examination after having been required to do so under section 50 ; is certified, by a Government medical practitioner, to be suffering from a contagious or infectious disease which makes his or her presence in Uganda dangerous to the community; any person against whom there is in force an order of deportation from Uganda made under this Act or any other law for the time being in force; any person whose presence in or entry into Uganda is, or at the time of his or her entry was, unlawful under this Act or any other law for the time being in force; any person who has not in his or her possession a valid passport issued to that person by or on behalf of the Government of the State of which he or she is a subject or citizen or a valid passport or document of identity issued to him or her by an authority recognised by the Government, such document being complete and having endorsed on it all particulars, endorsements and visas required from time to time by the Government or authority issuing that document and by the Government; any person who is a drug trafficker and who is living, or who prior to entering Uganda was living, on the earnings of drugs or drug trafficking or trade; a person who as a consequence of information received from the government of any State, or any other source considered reliable by the Minister or the Director , is declared by the Minister or by the Director to be an undesirable immigrant ; but every declaration of the Director under this paragraph shall be subject to confirmation or otherwise by the Minister ; any person who, not having received a free pardon, has been convicted in any country, for murder, or any offence for which a sentence of imprisonment has been passed for any term, and who by reason of the circumstances connected with the offence is declared by the Minister to be an undesirable immigrant ; except that this paragraph shall not apply to offences of a political character not involving moral turpitude; any person who is a subject or citizen of any country with which Uganda is at war; the children, if under eighteen years of age and dependents of a prohibited immigrant, and any other dependent of a prohibited immigrant; and any person convicted of any offence under this Act.

Section 52Verify source

§ 53Immigration control - Entry into UgandaProvision

Persons must have a valid entry permit, certificate of permanent residence or pass to enter or remain in Uganda; the Minister may exempt classes of persons; persons seeking employment under entry permit class G may only enter after their permit application is granted.

Section Entry into Uganda Section Subject to this Act, no person shall enter or remain in Uganda unless that person is in possession of a valid entry permit , certificate of permanent residence, or pass , issued under this Act. This section shall not apply to such person or class of persons as the Minister , may by statutory order, declare. A person who is not a citizen of Uganda shall not be issued with an entry permit , certificate of permanent residence or pass referred to in subsection (1) unless that person is in possession of a passport, certificate of identity, convention travel document or any other valid travel document. A person intending to take on employment under entry permit class G specified in the Fourth Schedule to this Act may only enter Uganda after his or her application for the entry permit has been granted.

Section 53Verify source

§ 54Immigration control - Entry permitsProvision

The board may cancel or issue entry permits; classes of permits are set out in the Fourth Schedule.

Section Entry permits Section The board , subject to the right of appeal under this Act, may cancel any entry permit upon a finding that— There shall be the classes of entry permits as specified in the Fourth Schedule to this Act. Where a person other than a prohibited immigrant makes an application for an entry permit of a particular class and satisfies the board that the conditions which must be fulfilled have been fulfilled in relation to the application, the board may issue an entry permit of that class to that person. The entry permit shall, when issued, be valid for a period determined by the board and may be renewed. the person holding the permit has violated any of the terms of his or her stay under the entry permit ; the person holding the permit has violated any of the provisions of this Act or regulations made under it; the person has become a prohibited immigrant under section 52 ; or the person has become an undesirable immigrant under section 52 (g).

Section 54Verify source

§ 55Immigration control - Certificate of permanent residenceProvision

Sets eligibility criteria and procedures for a certificate of permanent residence: a person must prove specified criteria (contribution, ten years' continuous legal residence, good character/integrity, tax compliance, no criminal antecedents, not bankrupt, or qualifying marriage), applications are to be made in Form E, the board may grant certificates and entitles holders to remain for the period stipulated, and the board may revoke or cancel certificates on specified grounds.

Section Certificate of permanent residence Section A certificate of permanent residence shall only be granted to a person on proof that— that person— Where a person has been granted a certificate of permanent residence under subsection (3)(g) and the marriage by virtue of which that person was granted a certificate of permanent residence is— The board may revoke any certificate issued under this section upon a finding that— The board may grant to a person upon application a certificate of permanent residence which shall entitle that person to remain in Uganda for such period as is stipulated in the certificate. The application referred to in subsection (1) shall be in Form E specified in the Third Schedule to this Act. has contributed to the socioeconomic or intellectual development of Uganda; has continuously lived legally in Uganda for ten years; is of good character and of proven integrity; has not defaulted in the payment of any taxes required to be paid by him or her; and has no criminal antecedents in Uganda or outside Uganda; and is not a bankrupt or destitute; or he or she is legally married to a Ugandan citizen and there is a subsisting marriage of three years or such other period as may be prescribed. Notwithstanding anything in subsection (3), any Uganda citizen who acquires the citizenship of another country shall be eligible on application for the grant of a certificate of permanent residence under this section. invalid or otherwise declared void by a court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction; or dissolved, The board may cancel any certificate of permanent residence obtained under subsection (3)(g) if it is proved that the holder of the certificate conducted a marriage of convenience for the sole purpose of acquiring a certificate of permanent residence. the person holding the certificate has violated the terms of the certificate of permanent residence; the person holding the certificate has violated any of the provisions of this Act; the person has become a prohibited immigrant under section 52 ; or the person has become an undesirable immigrant under this Act.

Section 55Verify source

§ 56Immigration control - ***Repeal

Section 56 repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 56 repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 56Verify source

§ 57Immigration control - RegistersProvision

The Director must maintain a prescribed-form register recording names and particulars of people granted entry permits, certificates of permanent residence or passes; the board may require particulars and may call for and inspect registers at least once a year to discharge its functions.

Section Registers Section The Director shall maintain a register in the prescribed form, in which shall be entered the names and such particulars as the board may require, of every person to whom an entry permit , a certificate of permanent residence or pass is granted under this Act. The board may, for the purpose of discharging its functions under this Act, at least once a year, call for and inspect registers maintained under this Act.

Section 57Verify source

§ 58Immigration control - Production of entry permit, etc.Offence

People who remain in Uganda must at all times carry their entry permit, certificate of permanent residence or pass and must produce it when required by an immigration officer; failure without reasonable excuse is an offence punishable by a fine up to sixty currency points or imprisonment up to twelve months or both.

Section Production of entry permit, etc. Section A person who remains in Uganda shall at all times carry his or her entry permit , certificate of permanent residence or pass and, on being so required by an immigration officer , produce it for examination. A person who without reasonable excuse fails to comply with subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding sixty currency points or imprisonment not exceeding twelve months or both.

Section 58Verify source

§ 59Immigration control - Employment without entry permitOffence

Non-citizens must not be employed or engage in private business in Uganda unless they hold a valid entry permit, certificate of permanent residence or special pass.

Section Employment without entry permit Section A person who is not a citizen of Uganda shall not, unless that person is in possession of a valid entry permit , certificate of permanent residence or special pass issued under this Act— A person who— be employed in a parastatal or private body; be employed in the public service; be employed by a private person; engage in private business in Uganda. not being a citizen of Uganda, engages in any employment or profession, whether or not for gain, contrary to subsection (1); or employs any alien , whether or not for gain, whom he or she knows or has reasonable cause to believe is contravening subsection (1), Any person convicted of an offence under subsection (1)(a) is liable, in addition to any penalty imposed under that section, to a fine not exceeding two currency points in respect of each day on which he or she has acted contrary to subsection (1)(a); and the board may suspend or cancel the employer’s permit, if any.

Section 59Verify source

§ 60Immigration control - Deportation ordersProvision

The Minister may order prohibited immigrants or unlawfully present persons to be deported; the Minister may vary or revoke orders; affected persons may appeal to the High Court within fifteen days and to the Court of Appeal; courts may detain or stay deportation in specified circumstances; the High Court must rule on stay applications within two working days.

Section Deportation orders Section The Minister may, in writing signed by him or her, order any prohibited immigrant or person whose presence in Uganda is unlawful to be deported out of Uganda, either indefinitely or for such period of time as may be specified in the order. An order made under this section shall be carried into effect in such manner as the Minister may direct. A person against whom a deportation order has been made may, if the Minister so directs, while waiting for deportation and being conveyed to the place of departure, be kept in custody, and while so kept shall be deemed to be in lawful custody. If a person is brought before a court by an immigration officer and the court is informed that an application for a deportation order in respect of the person has been made, the court may direct that that person be detained in custody for a period not exceeding two months. There shall be a register of all persons served with deportation orders under this section. The Minister may, at any time, vary or revoke a deportation order. A person aggrieved by a deportation order made under this section may appeal against the order of deportation within fifteen days after the date of the order to the High Court, and a person aggrieved by the decision of the High Court may appeal against it to the Court of Appeal. Upon the filing of an appeal with the registrar of the High Court under this section, the High Court may, upon application by the appellant, make an order that the deportation order shall be stayed pending the decision of the High Court and the determination of any appeal from the High Court to the Court of Appeal; but the High Court shall give its ruling on the stay of execution of the deportation order within two working days after the application is made.

Section 60Verify source

§ 61Immigration control - Application of the Interpretation Act modifiedInterpretation

A deportation order becomes effective on the date the Minister signs it, or on another date the Minister specifies in the order.

Section Application of the Interpretation Act modified Section Notwithstanding the Interpretation Act, and subject to this Act, a deportation order shall come into force on the date it is signed by the Minister or such other date as is specified by the Minister in the order.

Section 61Verify source

§ 62Immigration control - Place of deportationProvision

A person against whom a deportation order has been made must be deported to the place from where they came or to any place they consent to, provided that place's Government consents to receive them.

Section Place of deportation Section A person against whom a deportation order has been made shall be deported to the place from where he or she came or to any place to which he or she consents to be deported, where the Government of that place consents to receive that person.

Section 62Verify source

§ 63Immigration control - Arrest of deporteesProvision

Deported persons transiting Uganda may be arrested without a warrant and detained by an immigration officer; carriers leaving Uganda must, if required and on payment, take detained persons on board and provide passage and accommodation.

Section Arrest of deportees Section A person who having been deported from another country enters Uganda in transit to his or her destination may be arrested without a warrant by an immigration officer and may be detained in custody until arrangements are made for the continuation of his or her journey. A person detained under this section shall be taken to be in lawful custody. A person in charge of a ship, aircraft, train or vehicle leaving for any place outside Uganda shall, if required by an immigration officer , receive on board the ship, aircraft, train or vehicle a person who is detained under this section and shall, on due payment being made, afford that person passage and accommodation for his or her onward journey to his or her destination.

Section 63Verify source

§ 64Immigration control - Power of the Director to order an organised departureOffence

The Director may arrange organised departures from Uganda for persons convicted under this Act or who contravene its provisions; such persons ordered to leave must pay a fine equivalent to that in section 59(3) and must meet their travel costs.

Section Power of the Director to order an organised departure Section The Director may make arrangements for the organised departure from Uganda of any person convicted of any offence under this Act or under any regulation made under this Act or any person who contravenes any provision of this Act or of the regulations. Any person ordered to leave Uganda under subsection (1) is liable to pay a fine equivalent to the fine payable under section 59 (3). A person ordered to leave Uganda under subsection (1) shall be responsible for meeting his or her travel costs.

Section 64Verify source

§ 65Immigration control - Application of Part VIOffence

Citizens of Uganda are generally exempt from Part VI, but may be proceeded against and punished for offences covered by the Part; immigration officers may use powers to determine citizenship; where citizenship is questioned, the person must prove it.

Section Application of Part VI Section A person who is a citizen of Uganda shall be liable to be proceeded against, convicted and punished in respect of— Apart from this section, the provisions of this Part of this Act do not apply to citizens of Uganda. An immigration officer may exercise any of the powers conferred upon him or her under this Act in relation to a person who is a citizen of Uganda insofar as the exercise of that power is necessary to determine the status of that person as such. an offence under this Act in relation to a person to whom this Part of this Act applies generally; or aiding and abetting an offence under this Part of this Act. Where, for the purpose of this Part, there is a question whether a person is a citizen of Uganda, the burden of proving that he or she is a citizen of Uganda shall lie upon that person.

Section 65Verify source

§ 66Immigration control - Offences and penalties under Part VIOffence

A person who commits any of the listed acts (for example refusing to answer lawful questions, false declarations, unlawful entry, remaining after permit expiry) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one hundred currency points or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both and may, in addition, be deported.

Section Offences and penalties under Part VI Section A person who— without reasonable excuse refuses to answer any lawful or reasonable question put to him or her by an immigration officer ; knowingly makes any false declaration, return or statement for the purpose of obtaining or assisting another person to obtain a permit, certificate or pass under this Act; alters a permit, certificate or pass issued under this Act; obstructs or impedes an immigration officer in the exercise of his or her duties; knowingly misleads an immigration officer seeking, in the exercise of his or her duties, information in relation to any matters under this Act; knowingly uses or has in his or her possession a forged or irregular document of identity , passport, pass or other document which has been altered or issued without lawful authority; fails to furnish any list or information required to be furnished by him or her under section 50 ; unlawfully enters or is unlawfully present within Uganda in contravention of the provisions of this Act or any regulations made under it; except as otherwise permitted by any provision of this Act or any regulations made under it, remains in Uganda after the expiration or cancellation of any permit, pass , certificate or other authority issued to him or her under this Act or any regulations made under it; having made an application for an entry permit or a certificate of permanent residence which has been rejected makes another such application as if he or she has not previously applied; conceals any information which could have otherwise affected his or her entry into Uganda; contravenes any term or condition subject to which any permit, certificate or pass has been issued to him or her under this Act or under any regulations made under it; or contravenes any provision of any order or direction made under this Act or under any regulation made under it, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one hundred currency points or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both and may, in addition, be deported. Where a person is convicted of an offence under this Part of the Act, the board may, in addition to any penalty imposed for the offence, cancel any permit, certificate or pass in respect of which the offence was committed. Any person who, having been deported from any other country or ordered to leave Uganda under this Act or any other written law, returns to Uganda without the permission of the Minister commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one hundred currency points or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both, and may, notwithstanding the conviction and on the expiration of the sentence of imprisonment, if any, imposed upon him or her be deported again under section 60 . Where a prohibited immigrant enters Uganda from a ship, aircraft or vehicle, whether or not with knowledge of the owner, agent or person in charge of it, the owner, agent or person in charge commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one hundred currency points; and provision shall be made by the owner, agent or person in charge, as the case may be, to the satisfaction of an immigration officer for the conveyance out of Uganda of the prohibited immigrant. Subsection (4) shall not apply in any case where the prohibited immigrant has been granted a permit or pass to enter Uganda under this Act, or any regulations made under it. Any aircraft which brings into Uganda any undesirable person shall be liable to a fine of not less than one hundred and fifty currency points and shall be required to arrange for the departure out of Uganda of the undesirable alien . The Director shall, from time to time, furnish a list of undesirable aliens to the Civil Aviation Authority and it shall be the duty of the authority to give notice of it to all airline operators. Notice given to Civil Aviation Authority shall be taken to be sufficient notice to all aircrafts conveying aliens into Uganda.

Section 66Verify source

Part VII

Registration and control of aliens

§ 67Registration and control of aliens - ***Repeal

Section 67 was repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 67 repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 67Verify source

§ 68Registration and control of aliens - ***Repeal

Section 68 was repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 68 repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 68Verify source

§ 69Registration and control of aliens - ***Repeal

Section 69 was repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 69 repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 69Verify source

§ 70Registration and control of aliens - ***Repeal

Section 70 was repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 70 repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 70Verify source

§ 71Registration and control of aliens - ***Repeal

Section 71 repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015

Section *** Section [section 71 repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 71Verify source

§ 72Registration and control of aliens - ***Repeal

Section 72 was repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 72 repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 72Verify source

§ 73Registration and control of aliens - ***Repeal

Section 73 has been repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 73 repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 73Verify source

§ 74Registration and control of aliens - ***Repeal

Section 74 repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 74 repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 74Verify source

§ 75Registration and control of aliens - Registrar of companies to furnish returns concerning alien registered businessesProvision

The registrar of companies and business names must, upon a written request from the Director and from time to time, furnish the Director a list of all registered businesses owned by aliens in Uganda.

Section Registrar of companies to furnish returns concerning alien registered businesses Section The registrar of companies and business names shall from time to time upon request by the Director in writing furnish to the Director a list of all registered businesses owned by aliens in Uganda.

Section 75Verify source

§ 76Registration and control of aliens - Prohibition from membership of certain organisationsProvision

Aliens are prohibited from holding executive committee membership in trade unions or youth movements, forming/managing/joining political parties, and (unless authorised) voting in Ugandan elections or referendums.

Section Prohibition from membership of certain organisations Section An alien shall not be a member of the executive committee of a trade union or a youth movement in Uganda. An alien shall not form, manage or join a political party, or unless authorised under any law, vote in any presidential, parliamentary or other election or in a referendum in Uganda.

Section 76Verify source

§ 77Registration and control of aliens - Offences and penalties under Part VIIOffence

Aliens who attempt acts likely to cause sedition or disaffection, or who promote industrial unrest without two years' bona fide engagement in the industry, commit offences and are liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 250 currency points or imprisonment not exceeding five years or both.

Section Offences and penalties under Part VII Section An alien who attempts or does any act likely to cause sedition or disaffection among any members of the armed forces of Uganda or against the civilian population of Uganda commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty currency points or imprisonment not exceeding five years or both. If any alien promotes or attempts to promote industrial unrest in any industry in which he or she has not been bona fide engaged for at least two years immediately preceding in Uganda, he or she commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty currency points or imprisonment not exceeding five years or both. Nothing in this section shall affect the liability of a person to be prosecuted under the Penal Code Act or any other law in force in Uganda.

Section 77Verify source

§ 78Registration and control of aliens - Employment disputesProvision

If a complaint about an alien's conduct at work is lodged with the immigration office, the Director may forward the complaint to an industrial or labour court, the court shall submit its findings to the Director, and the Director may take any necessary immigration action.

Section Employment disputes Section Where any complaint is lodged with the immigration office concerning the conduct of an alien in the course of his or her employment, the Director may forward the complaint to an industrial or labour court which shall submit its findings to him or her, and the Director may then take any necessary immigration action considered relevant in the circumstances.

Section 78Verify source

§ 79Registration and control of aliens - ***Repeal

Section 79 was repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015.

Section *** Section [section 79 repealed by section 86(4)(d) of Act 4 of 2015 ]

Section 79Verify source

Part VIII

Miscellaneous

§ 80Miscellaneous - General penaltyOffence

Anyone who contravenes the terms or conditions of a permit, certificate or pass issued under this Act, or who contravenes any other provision of this Act or any lawful order or direction given under the Act, is caught by this provision.

Section General penalty Section Any person who— contravenes any term or condition subject to which any permit, certificate or pass has been issued to him or her under this Act; contravenes any other provision of this Act or of any lawful order or direction made or given under this Act,

Section 80Verify source

§ 81Miscellaneous - Effect of declarations, returns and statementsOffence

In proceedings for an offence under the Act, a person is taken to know the contents of any declaration, return or statement they have signed or marked, even if they have not read it, provided they know the nature of the document.

Section Effect of declarations, returns and statements Section In any proceedings for an offence under this Act, a person shall be taken to know the contents of any declaration, return or statement which he or she has signed or marked, whether or not he or she has read that declaration, return or statement, if he or she knows the nature of the document.

Section 81Verify source

§ 82Miscellaneous - General power to make regulationsOffence

The Minister may, by statutory instrument and in consultation with the board, make regulations to carry out this Act; regulations may provide for many procedural matters and penalties, and the onus is on a person to prove they are not an alien or are a citizen of Uganda.

Section General power to make regulations Section Without prejudice to the general effect of subsection (1), regulations made under it may— The Minister may, by statutory instrument, in consultation with the board , make regulations for better carrying out the provisions of this Act. provide for anything required or authorised by any provision of this Act to be prescribed by regulations; prescribe the place where and the manner in which application to enter Uganda shall be made; prescribe the place where and times at or between which entry into Uganda may be made and the procedure to be followed by persons entering or leaving Uganda; provide for the terms and conditions subject to which an entry permit or a certificate of permanent residence may be granted or cancelled; provide for types of passes entitling persons to enter and remain temporarily in Uganda, the terms and conditions of issue and cancellation and the authority which may issue or cancel such passes; prescribe the deposit of security, if any, to be made or given by or in respect of any person granted a permit, certificate or pass under this Act or the regulations; prescribe the fees to be charged upon the issue or renewal of any permit, certificate or pass or for any other purpose under this Act or under the regulations; provide for the payment and recovery of any expenses incurred by the Government in connection with the detention, maintenance, medical treatment and deportation of prohibited immigrants; provide for the deportation of aliens from Uganda subject to this Act; prohibit aliens from residing or remaining in any specified areas if the prohibition is in the interest of public health or public safety; prescribe the information to be furnished and the returns to be made by employers with respect to persons employed by them, including, in particular, information as to citizenship, nature of employment, qualifications and experience of those persons, and as to training schemes for Ugandan employees; prescribing the forms to be used for the purposes of this Act; provide for the imposition in respect of any contravention of the regulations of any fine not exceeding one hundred currency points or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both; provide for an additional fine in respect of continuing offences not exceeding two currency points in respect of each day on which the offence continues; provide for the forfeiture of anything involved in the commission of an offence against the regulations. Any provision of any regulation made under this section with respect to aliens may relate either to aliens in general or to any class or description of aliens. If any question arises in any proceedings under regulations made under this section or with reference to anything done or proposed to be done under any such regulations whether any person is an alien or not, the onus of proof that the person is not an alien or, as the case may be, that he or she is a citizen of Uganda shall lie upon that person.

Section 82Verify source

§ 83Miscellaneous - Minister’s powers to amend the First ScheduleAmendment

The Minister may, with the approval of the Cabinet, by statutory instrument amend the First Schedule to this Act.

Section Minister’s powers to amend the First Schedule Section The Minister may, with the approval of the Cabinet, by statutory instrument amend the First Schedule to this Act.

Section 83Verify source

§ 84Miscellaneous - RepealsRepeal

Repeals the Uganda Citizenship Act; the Immigration Act; the Passports Act; and the Aliens (Registration and Control) Act.

Section Repeals Section The following enactments are repealed— the Uganda Citizenship Act; the Immigration Act; the Passports Act; the Aliens (Registration and Control) Act.

Section 84Verify source

§ 85Miscellaneous - Transitional provisionCommencement

Section Transitional provision Section Any entry permit , certificate of citizenship, certificate of permanent residence, certificate of registration for aliens or pass by whatever name called and any travel document granted under the Acts repealed by section 84 or under any law in force prior to the coming into force of this Act and which is valid immediately before the coming into force of this Act shall, so far as consistent with this Act, continue to have effect according to its terms as if it had been granted under this Act. For the avoidance of doubt, the immigration department existing immediately before the commencement of this Act shall continue serving the board notwithstanding the repeal of any of the enactments repealed by section 84 but subject to the Constitution.

Section 85Verify source

Legislative relationships

14 referenced instruments

Names are derived from the stored provision headings and citation-enrichment layer. Treat this as a research index and verify each relationship against the source text.

A–F

4 instruments

Act. Section Regulations
Section 49
Alien Refugees Act
Section 2
Criminal Procedure Code
Section 50
First Schedule to this Act
Section 83

G–M

2 instruments

Interpretation Act
Section 61
Minister on an appeal from a decision of the board under Part IV or V of this Act
Section 10

N–S

2 instruments

Repeals the Uganda Citizenship Act
Section 84
Second Schedule to this Act
Section 5

T–Z

6 instruments

Third Schedule to this Act
Section 15
Uganda has been granted under this Act
Section 24
Uganda is not qualified to hold any of the offices of State specified in the Fifth Schedule to this Act
Section 19
Uganda. An immigration officer may exercise any of the powers conferred upon him or her under this Act
Section 65
Uganda. Subject to this Act
Section 13
Uganda. The renunciation or deprivation by or of any person of his or her citizenship under this Part of this Act
Section 21

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Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act

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14 referenced instruments

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