State Minister for Internal Affairs designate Lawrence Muganga has reaffirmed his loyalty to Uganda amid growing scrutiny over allegations that he holds dual Ugandan-Canadian citizenship, a matter that has triggered legal and political debate following his nomination by President Yoweri Museveni.
Speaking to journalists at Parliament on Tuesday after appearing before the Appointments Committee chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, the Victoria University vice chancellor said he had presented his case to lawmakers and would leave the final decision to the committee.
“I am Munyarwanda, and I don’t regret being a Munyarwanda. Just as a Muganda is a Muganda and a Munyankole is a Munyankole,” he said.
Muganga said he had fully explained his position regarding questions over his citizenship status and possible impact on his appointment.
“I don’t know whether the question of citizenship will affect my appointment. I’ll leave that for the members of the committee to decide. For me, I’ve presented my case, and I think it has been sufficient,” he said.
The minister-designate acknowledged holding both Ugandan and Canadian citizenship, saying it reflected his time working and living abroad.
“Before I came here, I definitely had two citizenships—that’s the Ugandan citizenship and the Canadian citizenship,” he said.
He argued that many Ugandans who work abroad acquire foreign citizenship while maintaining ties to their home country.
Muganga further said it is possible for him to renounce his Canadian citizenship if required.
“It is possible for me to denounce my citizenship. There is no better country than Uganda,” he said.
“I was Ugandan before I became a Canadian, and I am proud to be Ugandan.”
His nomination to serve as State Minister for Internal Affairs, replacing Gen. David Muhoozi, has generated controversy over alleged dual citizenship.
Similar concerns have been raised regarding Soroti City West MP David Calvin Echodu, who was appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of international relations, amid reports that he may hold dual Ugandan-American citizenship, though these claims have not been independently verified.
Businessman Sanjay Tanna was appointed Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, replacing Francis Mwebesa, and has stated he holds only one passport.
Under Ugandan law, dual citizenship is permitted, but restrictions exist for holders of dual nationality occupying certain state offices.
Article 15(7) of the 1995 Constitution empowers Parliament to define rights of dual citizens, while the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act (2009) restricts holders of dual citizenship from occupying offices listed under Section 19D and the Fifth Schedule.
These include positions such as Cabinet Minister and Minister of State, among others connected to national security, immigration and intelligence.
Lawyer and Democratic Front Deputy Secretary General Deric Fredric Namakajo has petitioned Parliament, arguing that Muganga’s appointment may conflict with these provisions and urging suspension of the vetting process pending clarification of his citizenship status.
The petition was submitted to the Appointments Committee chaired by Speaker Oboth-Oboth and copied to President Museveni and Security Minister Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi.
Documents circulating on social media reportedly indicate Muganga obtained Ugandan citizenship in 2024 and a passport in 2026, though these have not been independently verified.
The debate has revived public attention on Muganga’s background, including previous work in Canada and Rwanda, and earlier reports linking him to citizenship questions and security scrutiny during strained Uganda–Rwanda relations.
His current nomination places him at the centre of a politically sensitive ministry responsible for immigration, citizenship and identity governance, intensifying scrutiny over whether his status meets legal requirements for ministerial appointment.
The Appointments Committee is expected to make a determination after reviewing his explanations and supporting documentation.
