Dr Lawrence Muganga, the Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, has publicly accused Uganda’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa of influencing the decision that led to his rejection for a ministerial position, escalating political tension around the parliamentary vetting process.
In a statement, Muganga claimed that his failed approval by the Appointments Committee was predetermined and not based on merit, qualifications, or constitutional considerations as earlier reported.
He alleged that remarks attributed to Tayebwa indicated a pre-decided outcome before the vetting session began.
“Hon. Daudi Kabanda, with due respect, I must set the record straight. I do NOT hold a Rwandan passport. This is a deliberate falsehood introduced by Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, and the truth must be told,” Muganga stated.
He further alleged that Tayebwa had openly suggested the outcome of the vetting process was already fixed.
“We have it on record — Hon. Thomas Tayebwa’s own words: ‘In every vetting session we have to fail someone, and this time it had to be you, Dr. Muganga,’” he claimed, adding that he intends to release audio recordings to support the allegation.
Muganga said the experience before the committee amounted to discrimination, arguing that the process was influenced by ethnic bias rather than parliamentary oversight. He specifically raised concerns about hostility directed at him due to his identity as a Munyarwanda.
“What I experienced in that committee was not parliamentary oversight. It was hatred. It was discrimination. It was racism,” he said, adding that he believes the decision reflected prejudice rather than legal or procedural considerations.
He also defended his Ugandan citizenship, rejecting claims that he held a Rwandan passport, which had featured prominently in earlier vetting concerns over dual nationality.
Muganga insisted he has spent decades contributing to Uganda’s academic and institutional development.
In his remarks, he emphasized that Banyarwanda are Ugandans and should not be treated as second-class citizens, calling for equal application of the law across all communities.
“Uganda belongs to all its citizens equally. Banyarwanda included,” he stated, insisting that discriminatory practices within public appointments must be challenged.
The Appointments Committee had previously raised concerns over dual citizenship issues during Muganga’s vetting, which contributed to his rejection. However, Muganga maintains that the decision was politically influenced and not grounded in legal merit.