Diaspora Leaders Urge Museveni to Confirm Embattled Ministers-Designate
By Skika Reporter.
Leaders of Ugandan diaspora communities across the world have appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to confirm four ministers-designate whose appointments remain in limbo following concerns over their dual and multiple citizenship status.
In a letter dated June 9 and addressed to the President, the leaders, operating under the Confederation of Uganda Diaspora Associations Limited, argued that the inclusion of Ugandans with international experience in government would strengthen policy formulation and ensure that the interests of citizens living abroad are adequately represented.
“Their presence in government means that diaspora perspectives will be part of national policy formulation and priority-setting, ensuring that millions of Ugandan citizens living and contributing from outside the country are not overlooked in the decisions that shape our shared future,” the letter states.
The appeal comes as President Museveni awaits an advisory report from the Ministry of Public Service regarding the eligibility of the four appointees to hold ministerial office under Uganda’s citizenship laws.
The ministers-designate affected by the controversy are Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, designated Minister of Foreign Affairs; Calvin Echodu, designated Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs); Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, designated Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Microfinance); and Dr Lawrence Muganga, designated Minister of State for Internal Affairs.
The four officials were unable to take the oath of allegiance and ministerial oath alongside other Cabinet appointees on Monday as questions emerged regarding whether holders of dual citizenship are legally eligible to serve as ministers.
Diaspora Voices Seek Representation
The diaspora leaders described the appointments as a landmark recognition of the contribution Ugandans abroad make to national development through remittances, investment, skills transfer and international networking.
“Your Excellency’s decision to appoint distinguished members of the diaspora to senior ministerial office is a moment of great significance to Ugandans abroad and a clear signal that the diaspora is a valued stakeholder in the service of our nation,” the letter reads.
They argued that the nominees’ international exposure and professional experience would bring valuable perspectives to government and help bridge the gap between Uganda and its global citizenry.
According to the leaders, having representatives with firsthand knowledge of diaspora concerns would elevate issues affecting Ugandans abroad within government decision-making structures.
Legal Questions Remain
The controversy stems from provisions within Uganda’s citizenship laws that restrict holders of dual nationality from occupying certain public offices.
Although Uganda recognises and permits dual citizenship, Article 15(7) of the Constitution empowers Parliament to limit dual citizens from serving in designated state positions.
The Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control (Amendment) Act, 2009, lists several sensitive offices that dual citizens may not occupy. The Fifth Schedule to the Act explicitly includes the offices of Cabinet Minister and other ministers among the restricted positions.
The government’s legal and administrative review is expected to determine whether the four nominees meet the constitutional and statutory requirements for ministerial appointment.
Global Support
The appeal to President Museveni was signed by 12 leaders representing Ugandan communities and associations across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Among the signatories are Murema Murinzi Boaz of the Federation of Ugandans in Germany, Lambert Etibot representing North American associations, Dr Manoj Joshimbe of Europe and United Kingdom associations, Bridget Akanga of the Uganda Diaspora Empowerment Network Sweden, and Justus Mirembe of the National Alliance of Ugandan Canadian Associations.
Other signatories represent Ugandan communities in Qatar, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the Czech Republic, Belgium, China and Malawi.
As the government awaits legal guidance on the matter, the fate of the four ministers-designate remains uncertain, with their confirmation likely to shape future debates on dual citizenship, public service eligibility and diaspora representation in Uganda’s governance structures.
