Citizenship Queries Cloud Swearing-in of Four Ugandan Ministers

Uganda’s new Cabinet faces a constitutional hurdle as four ministers-designate have citizenship statuses that are under scrutiny just hours before their scheduled oath-taking ceremony. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has formally communicated to Parliament concerning the citizenship of President Museveni’s appointees, flagging four individuals for dual or multiple citizenships. Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, nominated as Minister for Foreign Affairs, reportedly holds both Ugandan and US citizenship, acquired in April 2025. Similarly, Shartsi Musherure, the State Minister-designate for Microfinance, is noted to possess Ugandan and US citizenship, with the latter obtained in March 2025. Further complicating matters, Calvin Echodu, the State Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), has records indicating both US and Ugandan passports, though no explicit dual citizenship has been officially recorded. Dr. Lawrence Muganga, nominated as State Minister for Internal Affairs, appears to hold Ugandan, Rwandan, and Canadian citizenship. Uganda’s law, specifically Section 19D of the Citizenship and Immigration Control Act, prohibits individuals holding dual citizenship from occupying sensitive government positions such as ministers. Despite these concerns, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa indicated that the Appointments Committee had verified the citizenship of most nominees. He acknowledged that three nominees had dual citizenship and one had multiple citizenships, but confirmed that 80 out of 82 nominees were cleared. Dr. Muganga, in his defense before the committee, explained his Rwandan citizenship was acquired for professional reasons while working in Rwanda, and Canadian citizenship for opportunities there, asserting he has since renounced both to hold only Ugandan citizenship. He presented documentation indicating the initiation of the renunciation process for his Canadian nationality. The full 83-member Cabinet, including Vice President Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, is slated to be sworn in at State House, Entebbe. However, the participation of the affected ministers, and notably Education Minister-designate Janet Museveni who did not appear before the committee, remains dependent on President Museveni’s final decision. This report is based on information from the Daily Monitor.