Kasolo steps in as acting Foreign Affairs Minister amid citizenship row

President Yoweri Museveni has named Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, to serve as the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs. This interim appointment follows the vacancy of the substantive ministerial position.

The move, detailed in a letter dated June 22, utilizes the President’s constitutional authority under Article 99(1) to ensure the ministry continues to function during this period.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with three other ministerial portfolios, became vacant when nominees were found to possess dual citizenship. Ugandan law, specifically Article 15(7) of the Constitution and related provisions in the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act, restricts certain public offices, including cabinet and ministerial roles, to individuals with sole allegiance to Uganda.

This citizenship issue surfaced prominently during the vetting process for President Museveni’s new Cabinet. Several nominees faced scrutiny, including Dr Lawrence Muganga (State Minister for Internal Affairs), Ambassador Adonia Ayebare (Minister of Foreign Affairs), Calvin Echodu (State Minister for International Affairs), and Shartsi Kutesa Musherure (State Minister for Finance). Dr Muganga, for instance, was not approved by the Appointments Committee due to insufficient proof of renouncing his Canadian and Rwandan citizenship.

Kasolo’s appointment aims to maintain operational continuity within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while the government deliberates on a permanent successor. The directive was also communicated to key government officials, including the Vice President, the Prime Minister, and the Head of Public Service.

This report is based on information from the Daily Monitor.