news 4 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Muganga's Citizenship Defense Faces Scrutiny Amidst Contradictions
Dr. Lawrence Muganga, the State Minister for Internal Affairs-designate, has initiated the process of renouncing his Canadian citizenship after his parliamentary vetting was rejected due to issues with his multiple citizenships. Muganga claims the rejection was politically motivated. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uncovering-contradictions-in-muganga-s-citizenship-defence-5484280
Dr. Lawrence Muganga, nominated for State Minister for Internal Affairs, has begun the process to renounce his Canadian citizenship following his rejection by the Parliament Appointments Committee. The committee cited his failure to provide evidence of renouncing his Canadian and Rwandan citizenships as the reason for their decision.
However, Dr. Muganga disputes this, accusing Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa of ethnic discrimination and claiming the decision to reject him was pre-determined. He has vowed to release audio evidence to support his allegations.
Daily Monitor has learned that just a day before his vetting, Dr. Muganga initiated the renunciation of his Canadian citizenship through a letter dated June 1 to the Chief Citizenship and Immigration Control Office. He stated his intention to retain only his Ugandan citizenship, which he claims by birthright.
Speaking to Daily Monitor, Dr. Muganga confirmed he was born in Uganda but acquired Rwandan citizenship to work there, and later Canadian citizenship for further opportunities, while renouncing his Rwandan citizenship. He asserts that he now holds only one citizenship: Ugandan.
Despite this, past statements by Dr. Muganga present a different narrative. In a 2021 television appearance, he mentioned holding three citizenships (Ugandan, Rwandan, and Canadian) and revealed he obtained Rwandan identification and passport out of desperation for employment. At that time, immigration officials stated he had automatically lost his Ugandan citizenship by acquiring multiple citizenships without official approval, a claim he now contests.