Exclusion of “Fatherless” Persons from Birth Registration & National Identity Systems in Uganda: Implications for Ethics & Human Rights Policy & Programming

Elizabeth Nansubuga, Makerere University

Uganda operationalized national legal identity systems in 2015. National identification systems are critical for protecting individuals’ human rights among other benefits. However, evidence shows exclusion of “fatherless persons” – (unknown or ‘absent’ fathers, majorly excluded due to the patriarchal nature of Ugandan society, from ID registration systems. Uganda’s history is marked by traditional gender roles which are deeply entrenched in patriarchal norms and incorporated in its governance policies/ laws. This research sought to explore the ethical and human rights issues associated with legal national ID registration of “fatherless” children; and examine the gap between policy and implementation of ID registration processes in Uganda. Data was collected through primary qualitative methods including desk review of legal frameworks, focus group discussions, in depth interviews and key informant interviews. Data has been collected from two districts in Central Uganda – Kampala and Mukono. Ethical considerations were taken into account. Overall, the exclusion of fatherless children perpetuates gender inequality, legal uncertainties, social stigma, data misuse, and impediment to social services. I recommend the following measures: legal reforms in ID systems, development of inclusive policies, recognition of diverse family structures, adopt alternative forms of documenting parentage and ensure effective translation of policies into practice.

Keywords: Civil Registration and Vital Statistics, Population and Development, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination, Population Policies

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  Presented in Session 75. Population Registers, Human Rights and Ethics