Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Uganda Frank Mugambage yesterday said that government is yet to get an official communication regarding Rwandan citizens holding Uganda National Identity Cards.

Mugambage’s remarks come following statements made over the weekend by Uganda’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Rose Akol, saying many Rwandan citizens are holding Uganda National Identity Cards and they ought to surrender them because it is illegal.

The minister is reported to have made the remarks while inspecting the readiness of Mirama-Kagitumba one-stop border post at Uganda-Rwanda border in Ntungamo District on Sunday.

"We haven’t got any official communication about that issue; we only read it in the papers. We have a liberal approach to this. If one holds double nationality, it doesn’t violate any of our laws because Rwanda allows dual citizenship,” Mugambage told reporters in Kampala yesterday.

The envoy added that Rwanda and Uganda enjoy historical relations and that there are formal mechanisms through which any such issues can be handled.

"I’m saying this because some Rwandans may be worried already wondering what is happening. Our immigration departments (of both countries) are in constant consultations to deal with any such issues that may arise,” he said.

The One-Stop Border Post is expected to be commissioned by President Paul Kagame and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni on April 23.

"It is the personal choice of anybody. If you qualify to be a Rwandan citizen, we cannot require you to drop the citizenship of any other country that you may be having,” Mugambage said.

According to the Uganda Constitution 1995, (Article 10) under third schedule section, Banyarwanda are included and recognised among the 56 Ugandan indigenous communities.

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