Politics 2 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Appointments Committee Declines Dr. Muganga as State Minister Over Dual Citizenship
Parliament's Appointments Committee has rejected the nomination of Dr. Lawrence Muganga as State Minister for Internal Affairs due to his holding of multiple citizenships, specifically Uganda, Rwanda, and Canada. He failed to provide sufficient evidence of renouncing his other citizenships. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/appointments-committee-rejects-dr-muganga-over-multiple-citizenship-5482884
The Appointments Committee of Uganda’s Parliament has halted the ministerial aspirations of Dr. Lawrence Muganga, the Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, citing concerns over his multiple citizenships.
Dr. Muganga, nominated for the position of State Minister for Internal Affairs, was reportedly unable to satisfy the committee with proof that he had renounced his Rwandan and Canadian citizenships. Sources close to the vetting process indicated that while Dr. Muganga claimed to have renounced Rwandan citizenship upon acquiring Canadian citizenship, he could not furnish documented evidence.
This stands in contrast to other nominees, such as those for Foreign Affairs, who presented documentation demonstrating steps taken to renounce their U.S. citizenship. The committee emphasized the sensitive nature of the Internal Affairs ministry, requiring unambiguous commitment to Uganda.
Sources within the committee revealed that Dr. Muganga’s possession of three citizenships – Ugandan, Rwandan, and Canadian – was discovered during due diligence. When questioned, Dr. Muganga acknowledged holding Ugandan and Canadian citizenships, stating that acquiring other citizenships does not diminish his love for Uganda, which he affirmed as his country.
Earlier, a petition from a city lawyer sought to block Dr. Muganga’s vetting, referencing a section of the Citizenship and Immigration Control Act that prohibits dual citizens from holding sensitive state offices. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa confirmed that several nominees were found with dual or multiple citizenships but had agreed to renounce them, a step appreciated for its patriotism.
The committee underscored the legal requirement for nominees to hold a singular Ugandan citizenship before assuming ministerial roles, especially in critical portfolios. The decision highlights the rigorous adherence to citizenship laws in ministerial appointments.