news 8 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Four Nominated Ministers Face Delay in Oath-Taking Due to Dual Citizenship
Four nominated ministers in Uganda are temporarily unable to take their oaths of office due to holding dual nationalities, a status prohibited for certain high-ranking government positions under Ugandan law. The situation is under review by President Museveni, who has requested a joint report from the Head of Public Service and the Solicitor General. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/price-of-coats-of-many-colours-four-to-wait-longer-for-ministerial-oaths-5489738
The swearing-in ceremony for Uganda’s new Cabinet hit a snag as four minister-nominees found themselves unable to take their oaths. This delay stems from their possession of dual citizenship, a status that conflicts with Uganda’s immigration laws for specific governmental roles.
Currently, Ugandan law explicitly prohibits citizens with dual nationality from holding positions such as President, Vice President, Prime Minister, or any Cabinet or ministerial post. This stringent regulation also extends to other critical roles like the Inspector General of Government and top military leadership.
President Yoweri Museveni has been apprned of the situation and has requested a comprehensive report from the Head of Public Service, Ms Lucy Nakyobe, and the Solicitor General. This report is expected to outline the legal standing and potential resolutions for the four affected minister-nominees. Ms Nakyobe confirmed that a preliminary brief had already been submitted to the President following consultations with the nominees over the weekend.
Multiple sources suggest that a final decision from the President might take up to two weeks, contingent on the progress of the nominees renouncing their foreign citizenships and further due diligence. The Ministry of Internal Affairs had previously flagged three individuals—Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, Shartsi Musherure, and Dr Lawrence Muganga—as holding foreign citizenships alongside their Ugandan ones. A fourth nominee, Mr Calvin Echodu, was also noted as holding an American passport, though his dual citizenship status required further clarification.
Reports indicate that the affected nominees have already initiated the process of renouncing their non-Ugandan citizenships. Dr Muganga, for instance, has formally begun the process to renounce his Canadian citizenship, stating a strong commitment to his Ugandan roots and national identity.