Politics 27 July 2026 Nile Post

Juma Witonze Appointed State Minister for Internal Affairs

President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Juma Witonze Kisekka as the new State Minister for Internal Affairs. Witonze replaces Dr. Lawrence Muganga, whose nomination was rejected by Parliament's Appointments Committee due to concerns over his citizenship. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/359512/breaking-museveni-appoints-juma-witonze-as-state-minister-for-internal-affairs

President Yoweri Museveni has made a significant appointment to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, naming Juma Witonze Kisekka as the new State Minister. This move comes after the previous nominee, Dr. Lawrence Muganga, failed to secure parliamentary approval.

Witonze, a figure associated with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) in the Greater Mpigi region, brings diplomatic and political experience to the role. He previously vied for a position in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and had recently expressed interest in a by-election for the same.

The position became vacant when Dr. Muganga’s nomination was halted by Parliament’s Appointments Committee. The committee raised substantial questions regarding Dr. Muganga’s citizenship status, citing a verification report from the Ministry of Internal Affairs that suggested ties to Ugandan, Canadian, and Rwandan citizenships.

Reports indicate that unlike other nominees who presented evidence of renouncing foreign citizenship, Dr. Muganga did not provide similar documentation. While he contested the assertion of retaining Rwandan citizenship, the committee required documentary proof before proceeding with his recommendation.

Consequently, the matter was referred back to President Museveni, who has now opted to appoint Juma Witonze to fill the critical role. This appointment also sidelines another PLU official from a ministerial position within the government.