A group of human rights activists has petitioned the Inspector General of Government (IGG), seeking an investigation into allegations that some serving diplomats may have acquired or maintained foreign citizenship while still in active public service.
In a letter dated June 10, 2026, the activists argue that the alleged conduct raises serious questions of constitutional compliance, conflict of interest, and national loyalty within Uganda’s Foreign Service.
The petition, addressed to the IGG and copied to the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, cites provisions of Uganda’s Constitution, the Leadership Code Act, and other public service regulations as the legal basis for their request.
“We, the undersigned citizens of the Republic of Uganda, respectfully petition the Inspectorate of Government pursuant to Articles 225, 226, 227, 230 and 233 of the Constitution… seeking an investigation into allegations that several serving Foreign Service Officers and diplomats… may have acquired, applied for, or used citizenship and nationality documentation of foreign states while still serving in active diplomatic and public service,” the letter reads.
The petitioners—including Dr. Miria Matembe, Job Kiija, Kato Tumusiime, Eron Kiiza, and Tumusiime Kakuru—state that the matter is being raised in the public interest, citing concerns over governance, accountability, and the protection of Uganda’s sovereignty.
They further argue that diplomatic officers are expected to demonstrate “undivided loyalty, fidelity, integrity, confidentiality, and allegiance” to the Republic of Uganda, warning that dual citizenship acquired during service could undermine those obligations.
According to the activists, such circumstances may present potential conflicts of interest, particularly where naturalisation in a foreign state requires an oath of allegiance that could clash with duties already sworn to Uganda.
“The acquisition or maintenance of citizenship in host countries by serving diplomats raises serious concerns relating to divided loyalty, conflict of interest, national security exposure, compromise of diplomatic independence, and possible abuse of public office,” the petition states.
The group also raises concern over possible misuse of diplomatic privileges, including residency and immigration benefits, arguing that such advantages could compromise public trust in the Foreign Service.
They are now urging the Inspectorate to launch a formal investigation into the matter and determine whether any breaches of law or service regulations have occurred.
The petition adds to a growing public debate in Uganda over dual citizenship and eligibility for senior government positions, particularly within sensitive state institutions such as the diplomatic corps.