The controversy surrounding Dr. Lawrence Muganga’s rejected ministerial nomination has taken a sharper political turn after activist Melvin Masasira weighed in, criticizing the academic’s actions following the parliamentary decision.
Dr. Muganga, whose nomination for a key government docket was blocked over unresolved citizenship questions, recently visited his parents’ home in Mukono District.
Reports indicate that the visit was partly aimed at reinforcing his claim of Ugandan identity, with assertions that he sought to demonstrate his roots amid growing scrutiny.
However, Masasira has dismissed the move as misplaced and unnecessary, arguing that the core issue has never been Muganga’s origin.
In a strongly worded statement, the activist framed the debate as one rooted in national security and constitutional logic rather than identity politics.
“A whole PhD humiliating himself at his parents’ graves over a ministerial position in a dysfunctional country,” Masasira said, suggesting that the Mukono visit did little to address the substantive concerns raised during the vetting process.
The activist emphasized that the controversy centers on Muganga’s alleged continued ties to foreign citizenship, particularly Canada.
According to Masasira, holding allegiance to another country raises legitimate questions about suitability for sensitive government roles, especially those linked to internal affairs.
“To be clear, the issue was never about his Ugandanness. Nobody contested that,” he stated. “The issue is whether someone who currently holds allegiance to another country can sit at the table making decisions on immigration, citizenship, and internal security.”
Masasira further argued that beyond constitutional provisions, there are basic governance principles that should guide appointments to high-level offices. He noted that positions dealing with national security require undivided loyalty, warning that dual obligations could create conflicts of interest.
His remarks come amid a wider public debate, with some voices defending Muganga’s credentials and others insisting on strict adherence to legal requirements.
The academic has previously maintained that he is Ugandan by birth and has taken steps to clarify his citizenship status.
Still, critics like Masasira remain unconvinced, urging the public not to be distracted by narratives around ethnicity or origin. “This jazz about his tribe is all a distraction,” he said, insisting that the real concern lies in legal status and national interest.