Former NRM Chairman for Kiruhura District Nzaire Sedrack Kaguta has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Victoria University Vice Chancellor Dr Lawrence Muganga following his rejection for a ministerial appointment in Uganda’s 2026–2031 Cabinet.
In a detailed public statement, Kaguta outlined what he described as verified facts behind Muganga’s nomination and subsequent disqualification, insisting that the matter has been widely misunderstood and should now be left to the appointing authority.
“Fact: President Kaguta Museveni nominated Dr Lawrence Dr Muganga (born Mukono 1976) as State Minister for Internal Affairs in the 2026–2031 cabinet,” Kaguta stated.
He added that the decision was later subjected to parliamentary scrutiny by the Appointments Committee, chaired by Speaker Oboth Oboth, which ultimately rejected the nomination after what he described as due diligence on citizenship documentation.
“Fact: Parliament's Appointments Committee chaired by Oboth Oboth rejected the nomination after due diligence revealed three passports,” he said.
According to Kaguta, the review identified a Ugandan passport listed as valid, a Canadian passport that expired in 2019 with a renunciation process allegedly initiated, and a Rwandan passport that expired in 2014.
He noted that Muganga has acknowledged previous dual citizenship with Uganda and Canada, while denying any current Rwandan nationality.
“Dr Muganga admits prior dual UG-CA citizenship, denies holding current Rwandan citizenship, and affirms he is Ugandan by birth,” he said.
Kaguta further cited provisions of Uganda’s Citizenship and Immigration Control Act, arguing that the law bars dual citizens from serving in ministerial positions unless full renunciation of foreign citizenship is completed.
“Uganda law (Section 19D + Fifth Schedule, Citizenship & Immigration Control Act) bars dual citizens from ministerial offices unless foreign citizenship is fully renounced,” he noted.
He, however, pointed out that other nominees in similar circumstances had been cleared after providing proof of ongoing renunciation processes, raising questions about consistency in application of the law.
“Other nominees with dual status provided proof of an ongoing process of renunciation and were approved,” Kaguta stated.
The former Kiruhura NRM chair also emphasized Muganga’s public loyalty to Uganda, including his repeated declarations of national identity and personal attachment to Mukono, where he says he intends to be buried.
“Fact: Dr Muganga has repeatedly declared loyalty to Uganda and his plan to be buried next to his parents in Mukono which is his ancestral birthplace,” he added.
Kaguta concluded by urging that the matter be resolved at the highest level of authority, arguing that the President, as the appointing authority, holds the final decision.
“With all facts now public, this matter should be left solely to President Kaguta Museveni, the elder statesman and smartest politician among us, to decide Muganga’s fate,” he said. “He nominated him. He knows the full picture. Parliament has done its vetting. Let the appointing authority decide what serves Uganda best.”