Fresh controversy has emerged following Parliament’s decision to reject the ministerial nomination of Dr Lawrence Muganga, with media personality and socialite Sheilah Gashumba alleging that ethnicity may have influenced the outcome.
Muganga, who had been nominated for the position of Minister of State for Internal Affairs, failed to secure approval from Parliament’s Appointments Committee after concerns were raised over his citizenship status.
The committee reportedly found inconsistencies regarding his alleged multiple citizenships, ultimately blocking his appointment.
However, Gashumba has now shifted the debate, suggesting that deeper social and ethnic biases could have played a role in the decision.
In a statement shared online, she questioned why Muganga’s background was being scrutinized despite his long record of service in Uganda.
She referenced the case of Zohran Mamdani, the Uganda-born politician who rose to become mayor of New York City, highlighting what she described as a contrast in how African-born leaders are treated abroad versus at home.
“Zohran Mamdani is the New York City mayor born in Uganda… and here we are fighting Dr Muganga who was born in Uganda and has served Uganda for years because of his ethnic background,” she stated. “Indeed Africans are a danger to themselves. Too much tribalism in Uganda.”
Her remarks have sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting her position that tribalism remains a significant challenge in public institutions, while others insist that the decision was strictly based on legal and constitutional requirements regarding citizenship.
Under Ugandan law, individuals holding dual citizenship may be restricted from holding certain public offices unless they formally renounce other nationalities.
Members of the Appointments Committee reportedly maintained that their decision was guided purely by these legal provisions, not personal or ethnic considerations.
The development has reignited public debate on the balance between legal compliance and inclusivity in leadership appointments.
Reactions:
Justice Hunter: blame framers of the ugandan constitution. can mamdani become a u.s. president? why not? Rule of law should be blind. Take time and read the ugandan constitution. muganga is also not a magic bullet, there are many competent people who can do a better job. temukisusa!
Mwambuzi Vincent: Do you know whats happening in Congo, Sudans,South Africa etc. Ugandans don't have problem with banyarwanda, its a selected few hiding in government oppressing Ugandans including your father,people go missing over politics, many in prison without trial etc And u think it ends here.
Musa Lumumba: Dear Sheilah, let’s engage in this discourse objectively.The Ugandan law is clear, you can’t be appointed a minister or in key govt position when you hold a dual citizenship however, you can stand and be elected MP, Mayor, Councillor or LC 1 Chairperson. In the US however, their law only prohibits dual citizens from contesting for presidency and vice president, however, you can be appointed a cabinet secretary, elected a governor, mayor etc.