A heated public exchange has emerged between Uganda’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Adonia Ayebare, and human rights lawyer Sarah Bireete, after concerns were raised over his reported dual citizenship and suitability for senior public office.
Ayebare issued a response rejecting Bireete’s criticism, defending both his diplomatic status and long service in Uganda’s foreign affairs establishment.
He also questioned her understanding of diplomatic accreditation and raised allegations about her past conduct.
“My former friend Sarah Bireete. Stop missing issues as Ambassador of Uganda to the UN I am accredited to the United Nations Secretary General not the State Department compared to my colleague who is accredited to Washington,” Ayebare said.
He argued that his diplomatic responsibilities are properly aligned within the United Nations system in New York, adding that several of his colleagues in similar positions reportedly hold dual citizenship after years of residence abroad.
“...and a couple of my distinguished colleagues in New York have dual Citizenship having lived in the Diaspora,” he stated, suggesting that global diplomatic practice often involves officials with multiple national affiliations.
Ayebare further defended his professional record, insisting that his loyalty to Uganda is not in question despite the ongoing debate.
“I would have excused your ignorance if you did not question my royalty to Uganda given my 27 Diplomatic career,” he said, referring to more than two decades of service in international diplomacy.
The ambassador also escalated the exchange by raising allegations against Bireete, referencing her previous tenure at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and claiming financial misconduct.
“Given your checkered career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where you swindled money meant for Uganda's membership to the membership of International conference of the Great Lakes region and you went to Prison for heinous act,” he alleged.
Ayebare did not provide supporting documentation for the claims, and the allegations remain unverified independently.
He went further to accuse Bireete of lacking moral authority to critique public officials, concluding his remarks with a sharp rebuke.
“STOP being high priest of Morals when you have no shred of credibility. Have a repentant heroes Day,” he added.
The exchange comes amid heightened scrutiny of senior government nominees following reports that several appointees were not sworn in during a recent State House ceremony pending verification of citizenship and eligibility requirements.
Ayebare has been linked in public reporting to dual citizenship, a matter that has sparked legal and political debate over its compatibility with certain state offices.
Bireete, a human rights activist and lawyer, had earlier questioned whether active diplomats should acquire or hold dual citizenship while serving in sensitive international positions, arguing that it could present conflicts of allegiance and neutrality.
The confrontation highlights growing tensions between legal activists and senior government officials over governance standards, eligibility rules, and diplomatic practice in Uganda.