Politics 11 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni Emphasizes National Loyalty as New Ministers Sworn In Amidst Citizenship Scrutiny
President Yoweri Museveni has cautioned newly appointed ministers against divided loyalty, urging a critical review of Uganda's dual citizenship policies, particularly concerning neighboring East African countries. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/museveni-warns-against-divided-loyalty-as-ayebare-musherure-and-witonze-take-oath-5554316
President Yoweri Museveni presided over the swearing-in of three new ministers at State House Entebbe on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, using the occasion to address concerns about national allegiance and corruption.
Ambassador Adonia Ayebare took the oath as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, while Shartsi Kutesa Musherure was appointed Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Micro-Finance). Witonze Juma Kisekka also assumed office as Minister of State for Internal Affairs.
Their appointments, initially announced earlier in the year, faced delays. Ambassador Ayebare and Ms. Musherure’s swearing-in was postponed to address legal questions surrounding their dual citizenship status. Mr. Kisekka’s nomination followed the rejection of an earlier candidate for the Internal Affairs docket due to similar citizenship issues.
President Museveni stressed that public officials must demonstrate unwavering commitment to Uganda. He questioned the current application of dual citizenship, suggesting it was initially intended for Ugandans forced into exile, not as a permanent arrangement that could create conflicting loyalties, especially with citizens from neighboring countries.
“On the issue of citizenship… we are going to have to clarify this issue very clearly,” stated President Museveni. He advocated for a distinction, proposing that dual citizenship should primarily apply to Ugandans in distant diaspora communities rather than those residing in adjacent East African nations.
Furthermore, the President reiterated his long-standing call for the establishment of an East African Federation, arguing that complete political unification is essential to resolve issues of national identity and integration, rather than maintaining separate national allegiances within a regional bloc.
“If you want us to be one citizenship, let’s have one country, what is the problem?” he queried, emphasizing that individuals with overlapping allegiances in neighboring countries without a political federation are creating irrational and potentially detrimental situations for state security.
In a subsequent post on his X account, President Museveni reinforced the message of zero tolerance for corruption and highlighted the East African Federation as the ultimate solution for regional integration challenges.