SOROTI, UGANDA –Teso lawyer Joshua Okello Patrick has lauded Frank Gashumba, representing the Council of Abavandimwe, for successfully securing the Banyarwanda/Abavandimwe community’s unanimous endorsement of President Museveni. This endorsement is an expression of gratitude for the president’s role in officially recognizing their community after decades of systemic discrimination.
According to Okello, leaders from the community have confirmed that this official recognition has ended previous barriers. They can now more easily access national documents, including passports and ID cards, without the hindrances they previously faced.
This development follows an earlier endorsement of President Museveni for the 2026 elections by the broader Bavandimwe community in August 2025. That endorsement was also prompted by the President’s Executive Order No. 1 of 2025, which was designed to end discrimination against the community.
The Teso subregion’s endorsement reinforces the consistent and broad support for President Museveni, who the community views as a champion of their rights. Their gratitude stems from his decisive action in addressing a long-standing injustice.
This recognition has provided tangible benefits for the community. Leaders at the meeting confirmed that members can now access critical documents like national ID cards and passports, facilitating their full participation in Uganda’s economic and social life.
Okello’s support for the endorsement comes from his personal experience advocating for citizens’ rights. He has witnessed the struggles of the Abavandimwe firsthand and views the endorsement as a genuine act of appreciation.
The lawyer concluded by stating that while the journey toward full inclusion continues, the decisive action taken by the President has provided irreversible momentum. He thanked the community for their faith and the President for his leadership, reiterating a shared move toward a more inclusive and prosperous Uganda.
