New Cabinet Ministers Take Oath of Office

New ministers appointed by President Yoweri Museveni were sworn in today at State House Entebbe.

The President named 82 ministers on May 26, but four appointees remain in limbo as authorities continue to examine questions surrounding their citizenship status.

The matter has drawn national attention because Ugandan law bars holders of dual citizenship from serving in certain senior government positions, including ministerial offices. Although Uganda recognises dual citizenship, the law restricts dual nationals from occupying a number of sensitive public offices.

Parliament's Appointments Committee scrutinised the citizenship records of several nominees following concerns about their eligibility.

Among those affected is Adonia Ayebare, who was nominated for Foreign Affairs Minister. Immigration records reportedly indicate that he holds both Ugandan and United States citizenship. During his vetting, Ayebare is said to have informed legislators that he would renounce his American citizenship to comply with the law.

Questions also surrounded Lawrence Muganga, the nominee for State Minister for Internal Affairs. Citizenship records presented to Parliament reportedly listed him as holding Ugandan, Canadian and Rwandan citizenship.

Appearing before the committee, Muganga rejected claims that he is a Rwandan national. He maintained that while he belongs to the Banyarwanda ethnic community, he is not a citizen of Rwanda. He also expressed readiness to surrender his Canadian citizenship if required.

Despite his defence, the committee rejected his nomination, making him the only nominee among the four whose appointment failed to secure approval. Muganga later accused some parliamentary leaders of bias and discrimination.

Former Mawogola North MP Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, who was nominated as State Minister for Finance in charge of Microfinance, also came under scrutiny after records reportedly showed she holds Ugandan and American citizenship.

Meanwhile, Calvin Echodu, the nominee for State Minister for Foreign Affairs in charge of International Affairs, secured approval after presenting evidence that he had renounced his American citizenship. Parliament subsequently cleared him for appointment.

Although Parliament approved 80 of the 82 nominees, the Public Service Commission has been asked to provide guidance on the citizenship concerns before a final decision is made on the remaining appointments.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa said all four affected individuals had chosen to renounce their foreign citizenships, describing the process as difficult given the circumstances.

However, legal experts argue that renunciation alone may not be sufficient. Authorities are expected to verify the process and supporting documents before determining whether the affected nominees qualify to serve in Cabinet.