How to Secure Ugandan Dual Citizenship

If your visit to Uganda is longer than 10 days, you can integrate this process into your travel plans and potentially return with your Certificate of Dual Citizenship. While several documents are required, this guide is designed to simplify the process by offering some tips and tricks and sharing practical experiences and key insights.

What the Law Says

• Since 2009, Uganda allows dual citizenship.

• A Ugandan who acquires citizenship of another country (like the U.S.) may retain Ugandan citizenship, so long as they follow the formal procedures required by Ugandan law.

Who Qualifies

You likely qualify if:

• You are (or were) a Ugandan citizen by birth, descent, registration, or naturalization originally.

• You are 18 years or older.

• The U.S. (your other country) allows dual citizenship (which it does). Ugandan law requires that the other country also permit “dual nationality.”

What You Need to Do (Procedures & Requirements)

Here are the main steps and documents involved:

1. Notice / Application

   • Submit a written notice to the National Citizenship and Immigration Board (NCIB) of Uganda that you have acquired citizenship in another country but intend to retain Ugandan citizenship.

   • Use the prescribed form for dual citizenship.

2. Supporting Documents These generally include:

   • Download and complete these forms. This should be completed signed and notarized(Notarization can be done by any authorized notary in the U.S.).

     • Download and complete Form AA (re-attach Duly signed and notarized)

     • Notarized oath of allegiance(download and re-attach duly signed)

   • A copy of your U.S. citizenship certificate/passport (proof of citizenship in the other country).

   • Evidence that Uganda citizenship law allows dual citizenship for your situation. Sometimes this is automatic but having a letter or legal reference helps.

   • Two recent passport-size photographs.

   • Birth certificate. Proof you are born in Uganda or that one parent or grandparent is/was Ugandan (depending on your route).

   • Certified copy of any prior Ugandan citizenship documents, where applicable. If you lost citizenship, you may need proof.

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   • A letter of good conduct / criminal record check. (This is the most Important Step that requires you to be in Uganda)

     • Recommendation for Obtaining Fingerprints at Interpol

       • This process must be done in-person at the Interpol Office in Kololo (Plot 12 Mabua Rd, Kampala, Uganda)

       • You will need to schedule an appointment through their website. It is highly recommended to do this in the morning or late in the afternoon, as the offices can be very busy during normal operating hours.

       • The fingerprints are used for a background check, which typically takes about 2-3 business days to complete.

       • You will receive an email notification when the letter of good conduct is ready, and it can be picked up at any time.

   • Some evidence of your ties to Uganda (parents’ or grandparents’ citizenship, residence, etc.), if required.

   • Cover letter from the Applicant(addressed to Secretary National Citizenship and Immigration Board)

   • Proof of profession(Attach an academic document/Employment ID)

   • Recommendation letter and National Identity card of recommender (Ugandan by birth of substantial standing)

3. Submit the Application

   • The application is done via the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control.

   • Pay the required fees. For Ugandan dual citizens, there is a fee (currently about USD 200) for the application.

4. Approval & Certificate of Dual Citizenship

   • After your application is approved, you will be notified to pick up your formal Certificate of Dual Citizenship from the Ministry of Internal Affairs headquarters, located at Plot 75 Jinja Road in Uganda.

   • When exiting the country, ensure you present your certificate to the passport officer so they can enter it into the system.

   • You will need this certificate for certain services, such as renewing your Ugandan passport or obtaining a Ugandan National ID under dual-citizen status.

5. Using Your Dual Status

   • With the certificate, you can apply for or renew Ugandan identity documents (Passport, National ID).

   • Keep the certificate safe and available for when any proof of citizenship is needed.