MARAGOLI COMMUNITY APPEALS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL RECOGNITION

By Yosam Gucwaki

www.mknewslink.com

In Kiryandongo.

Maragoli community in Kiryandongo have asked government through parliament to expedite the process of having them recognized as one of the tribes in the constitution of Uganda

According to Christopher Kanguza, the chairperson of Maragoli who have a population of over 500,000 people , this will enable them enjoy all privileges and rights that are enjoyed by all Ugandans who are recognized citizens.

He added that having been left out by the 1926 constitutional review which gazzetted all tribes and ethnic groups in Uganda; they are now facing challenges to access all the services such as; sim card registration, opening of bank accounts, registration of their pupils at school, health services and contesting in politics with the introduction of national IDs.

He also said that although they were registered by NIRA during the registration
exercise, their IDs were withheld by NIRA during the distribution process on grounds that they were not a recognized tribe in the constitution of Uganda.

Jacob Karubanga, the coordinator Maragoli small community Association in Kiryandongo district said that several meetings have been held between government and the Maragoli to have them recognized as citizens by birth but no agreement has been reached.

Lenos Ngompek, the Resident District Commissioner Kiryandongo appealed to the Maragoli community to be patient as the government handles their issue.

He added that the district security committee and NIRA Kiryandongo
are waiting for recommendations from the equal rights commission which
came in the district in February and carried out investigations regarding their plight, for them to take action on their giving out national IDs.

Source: www.mknewslink.com a greater western Uganda news website
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