Uganda Parliament Receives Citizenship Report on Ministerial Nominees

Parliament has been presented with a report from the Ministry of Internal Affairs concerning the citizenship status of several ministers and ministers of state. The Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control conducted this verification following a request from Parliament’s Appointments Committee to confirm the eligibility of ministerial nominees under Uganda’s dual citizenship laws.

The immigration report, dated May 29, 2026, examined 32 Cabinet ministers and 51 ministers of state. It identified four individuals who raised concerns regarding their citizenship declarations and dual nationality.

Among those flagged is Adonia Ayebare, nominated as Foreign Affairs Minister, noted to hold both Ugandan and United States citizenship, with the latter acquired in April 2025. Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, State Minister for Finance (Microfinance) nominee, was also listed as a dual citizen of Uganda and the United States, having acquired American citizenship in March 2025.

Calvin Echodu, nominated for State Minister for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), reportedly has no formal dual citizenship record on file, yet immigration records suggest he possesses both Ugandan and American travel documents. Additionally, Lawrence Muganga, nominated as State Minister for Internal Affairs, is reported to hold citizenship from Uganda, Rwanda, and Canada, with Ugandan citizenship granted in November 2024.

Uganda’s Constitution permits dual citizenship, but it also empowers Parliament to restrict dual nationals from holding certain public offices, including ministerial positions, as stipulated by the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control (Amendment) Act, 2009.

Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige confirmed the receipt and tabling of the report before the Appointments Committee, stating that the committee would review the findings in accordance with the law. The report has prompted renewed discussion about the thoroughness of citizenship verification processes for senior government appointees.

Failure to notify the Uganda Immigration Board about acquiring foreign citizenship, while intending to retain Ugandan nationality, can lead to penalties including imprisonment or fines.

This information was reported by the Daily Monitor.