Law Society Warns Dr. Muganga Against Inflammatory Remarks on Citizenship

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has issued a strong caution to Dr. Lawrence Muganga, the Vice Chancellor of Victoria University and recently appointed Minister of State for Internal Affairs, to refrain from making statements that could incite tribal or ethnic tensions. The ULS advises Dr. Muganga to concentrate on addressing the legal and constitutional questions surrounding his eligibility for public office, particularly concerning his citizenship status.

Concerns were raised during Dr. Muganga’s parliamentary vetting due to reports suggesting he holds multiple passports, including Ugandan, Canadian, and Rwandan ones. While Dr. Muganga asserts his Ugandan birth and seeks to focus on legal technicalities, he has, in media interviews, alleged that opposition to his appointment stems from prejudice against his Rwandan heritage rather than genuine citizenship concerns. He highlighted that other nominees faced similar citizenship queries but were approved.

Happening in parallel, the ULS has implored Dr. Muganga and his supporters to avoid portraying the scrutiny of his eligibility as an indicator of anti-Rwanda sentiment, tribalism, or racism. The lawyers’ body stated that such unverified claims risk polarizing public discourse and diverting attention from the core constitutional requirements for holding public office.

ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde further elaborated, cautioning Dr. Muganga against introducing extraneous issues into the vetting process. He emphasized that Dr. Muganga should adhere strictly to legal requirements rather than personal desires. The ULS pointed to Article 15(7) of the Constitution and Section 23 of the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act, which, along with its Fifth Schedule, restricts dual citizens from holding specific state offices, including ministerial positions, unless parliament amends the relevant schedule.

The society stressed that while citizenship is typically private, it becomes a matter of public concern when an individual seeks high public office, especially in areas related to national security. The ULS made it clear that its intervention was prompted by Dr. Muganga’s public discussions of his vetting process. However, it reiterated that its stance is not an opposition to dual citizenship but a commitment to upholding constitutional compliance and safeguarding national sovereignty. The ULS also called for increased transparency in parliamentary vetting processes, criticizing the current closed-door proceedings.

https://observer.ug/news/uls-cautions-dr-muganga-against-inflaming-anti-rwanda-sentiments