Pressure over Uganda’s contested ministerial nominations has escalated after lawyer and human rights defender Sarah Bireete backed political strategist Egesa Ronald’s concerns on dual citizenship, warning that appointing dual nationals into Cabinet could amount to a constitutional violation.
The debate centres on four nominees in President Yoweri Museveni’s Cabinet list whose oath-taking was delayed following scrutiny over alleged dual citizenship status.
The cases have already triggered political and legal scrutiny within Parliament and government legal offices.
Among those affected are Adonia Ayebare, nominated for Foreign Affairs Minister, Shartsi Musherure, nominated for State Minister for Microfinance, Calvin Echodu, nominated for State Minister for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), and Dr Lawrence Muganga, whose nomination for State Minister for Internal Affairs was rejected by the Appointments Committee over contested citizenship claims.
The matter has drawn wider commentary after Egesa Ronald, speaking during a televised interview on NBS Television, criticized both the nominees and Parliament’s vetting process, arguing that the handling of the issue reflects weak institutional accountability.
Egesa said the controversy goes beyond technical eligibility, stating that it raises questions of leadership integrity and public trust in state institutions.
He said:
“The three gentlemen and a woman caught in the dual citizenship debate have an integrity deficit.”
He also faulted the Appointments Committee of Parliament, arguing that its handling of the matter weakened public confidence in the institution.
He said:
“The Appointments Committee of Parliament further lowered the standing of Parliament in the eyes of ordinary Ugandans by failing to comply with a straightforward issue of the law.”
Adding her voice to the debate, Sarah Bireete supported concerns that dual citizenship in executive office could contravene key legal frameworks, citing constitutional and statutory provisions.
She said:
“Appointing dual citizens in cabinet is a violation of the Constitution, Citizenship and Immigration Control Act and the Protection of Sovereignty Act. The newly enacted Sovereignty Act bars foreigners from participating in decision making and implementation of government policy/programs.”
Her remarks introduce a legal dimension to a debate that has largely been framed around political accountability and vetting standards. Bireete’s position underscores growing calls for strict enforcement of citizenship rules in public appointments.
The controversy has already delayed the swearing-in of the affected nominees, with government awaiting further clarification from legal and administrative authorities, including the Solicitor General’s office.