Dr. Lawrence Muganga has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding his citizenship status following his rejection by Uganda’s Parliamentary Appointments Committee, firmly dismissing claims linking him to Rwanda.
Speaking to the press after his vetting on Tuesday, Muganga clarified that he has only held Ugandan and Canadian citizenship, pushing back against allegations that he is Rwandese.
The issue of his nationality dominated his vetting session and ultimately led to the committee declining to approve his appointment as State Minister for Internal Affairs.
“I am not Rwandese. Kindly differentiate between the two: being Rwandese and being a Ugandan-born Rwandese,” Muganga stated, in what appeared to be a direct response to claims raised during the vetting process.
The remarks come amid heightened scrutiny over his eligibility to hold public office, particularly in a sensitive ministry that oversees immigration, citizenship, and internal security.
Legislators on the committee had questioned whether Muganga had fully renounced his Canadian citizenship, as required under Ugandan law for individuals seeking ministerial positions.
While Muganga acknowledged previously holding dual citizenship, he maintained that he had taken steps to address the matter. However, reports indicate that the committee was not satisfied with the documentation presented, citing gaps in proof of formal renunciation.
The controversy has also drawn legal and political attention, with some stakeholders arguing that questions of national allegiance must be conclusively resolved before one can be entrusted with a critical government role.
Others, however, have suggested the matter should be handled with fairness, emphasizing Muganga’s professional credentials and public service record.
His rejection now places uncertainty over his immediate political future, as the law requires fresh nomination and approval should he be reconsidered for the role.
Despite the setback, Muganga’s latest remarks signal an attempt to reclaim control of the narrative, distancing himself from claims that may have influenced the committee’s decision.
The development adds to ongoing debate in Uganda over dual citizenship and public office eligibility, an issue increasingly shaping vetting processes for senior government appointments.