Kasambya County Member of Parliament and Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Secretary General Daudi Kabanda has commented on the ongoing controversy surrounding the rejection of Dr Lawrence Muganga’s ministerial nomination, pointing to issues of citizenship declaration as the central concern.
Speaking on the matter, Kabanda argued that the core problem was not simply dual nationality but what he described as “partial disclosure” during the vetting process.
“The issue of Mr Muganga sorry Dr. Muganga as some few people want me to address him. His problem was partial declaration of citizenship ie declaring only Uganda and Canada leaving out Rwanda,” Kabanda stated.
He added that the vetting process uncovered inconsistencies between Muganga’s declarations and immigration records, which complicated his bid for approval by Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
Kabanda further claimed that Muganga continued to deny holding Rwandan citizenship even after being confronted with information allegedly presented by immigration authorities during vetting. According to him, the committee sought formal proof of renunciation, which was not provided at the time of assessment.
“He continued to deny Rwandan citizenship even after being presented with facts from immigration and asked for proof of renunciation,” he said.
Kabanda also raised questions about the process through which Muganga allegedly attempted to renounce foreign citizenship, suggesting that the procedure was not followed through the appropriate diplomatic channel.
“As earlier revealed, the man applied to URSB to renounce his citizenship instead of Rwanda government. And this was deliberate so that he can get Uganda dual citizenship when he quietly kept one of Rwanda since our laws don’t allow multiple citizenship,” he said.
Under Uganda’s citizenship and public service regulations, holders of multiple citizenship are required to formally renounce foreign nationality where it conflicts with eligibility for state office.
Parliament has previously insisted on documentary evidence of renunciation before approving such appointments.
Kabanda maintained that the solution for Muganga remains straightforward if he intends to proceed with public service at ministerial level.
“Let him do what the rest of the nominees did, that is, to renounce the citizenship of other countries and remain with only Uganda,” he stated.