Political theorist Yusuf Sserunkuma has raised fresh concerns over President Yoweri Museveni’s newly announced Cabinet, pointing to what he describes as constitutional inconsistencies and rushed decision-making in the formation of the executive.
In a critique, Sserunkuma argued that emerging controversies—particularly around eligibility and appointments—suggest the Cabinet list may have been put together in haste, leaving room for legal and procedural errors.
At the centre of the debate is the appointment of Victoria University Vice Chancellor Lawrence Muganga, whose reported dual citizenship status has triggered questions about whether he qualifies to serve as a minister under Uganda’s Constitution.
The issue has reignited long-standing legal discussions on whether dual citizens can hold certain public offices, especially at the executive level.
Sserunkuma noted that such controversies were avoidable, arguing that thorough vetting should have preceded the announcement.
“The cabinet scandals involving dual citizens… prove, among others, that Museveni made colossal mistakes in this cabinet. He was in haste,” he stated.
Beyond the dual citizenship debate, Sserunkuma also pointed to confusion surrounding key political appointments, including the naming of a Chief Whip who was not a Member of Parliament at the time of appointment, before subsequent adjustments were made.
He said such missteps reflect deeper structural and procedural lapses.
“The public can only point out the constitutionally identifiable mistakes,” he added, suggesting that other internal inconsistencies—such as abrupt reshuffles and omission of expected figures—may not be immediately visible but indicate broader governance concerns.
The Cabinet, which has already sparked national debate over its size and composition, is undergoing parliamentary vetting.
However, Sserunkuma’s remarks introduce a new layer of scrutiny, focusing not just on political balance and regional representation, but on constitutional compliance.
He also referenced veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda, known for his close analysis of state affairs, suggesting that claims about irregularities in the Cabinet should not be dismissed lightly.
“Andrew Mwenda is a very meticulous journalist – I don't expect him to make up things about our president,” Sserunkuma said.
The developments come at a time when the expanded Cabinet—now one of the largest in Uganda’s recent history—has already drawn criticism over public expenditure and efficiency.