President YMuseveni has reiterated his position on dual citizenship, saying citizens must be clear about where their loyalty lies as Uganda continues to pursue regional integration.
Museveni made the remarks at State House Entebbe while presiding over the swearing-in of three newly appointed ministers.
The President said Uganda’s approach to dual citizenship should be understood in the context of the country’s political history, particularly periods of instability that forced many Ugandans into exile.
He cited the 1966 political crisis involving the Kabaka of Buganda, Sir Edward Muteesa II, and the subsequent regime of former President Idi Amin as some of the events that led Ugandans to seek refuge outside the country.
Museveni said the restoration of peace under the National Resistance Movement government resulted in a more structured approach to citizenship, particularly regarding Ugandans who had acquired citizenship in neighbouring countries.
“The dual citizenship arrangement was introduced to address a difficult history. But one must choose where their loyalty lies. If we are to have unity, then let us unite, but you cannot owe allegiance to two sides,” Museveni said.
He argued that citizens with ties to neighbouring countries should make a clear choice regarding their allegiance, or alternatively embrace deeper regional integration through the proposed East African Federation.
“For neighbouring countries, it is important that people make a clear choice, or we move towards an East African Federation,” he said.
Museveni said Uganda would continue advocating for the establishment of an East African Federation as a long-term solution to questions surrounding identity, citizenship and regional integration.
The President’s remarks came as he swore in Adonia Ayebare as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shartsi Kutesa Musherure as Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development in charge of Microfinance, and Juma Witonze as Minister of State for Internal Affairs.
The three ministers took and subscribed to the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Minister before assuming their respective offices, in accordance with Article 115 of the Constitution and the Fourth Schedule.
Museveni also tasked the new ministers with fighting corruption and inefficiency in government institutions, saying effective supervision and accountability are essential to restoring integrity in public service.
He said some of the challenges affecting government institutions are caused by negligence or the direct involvement of civil servants and political leaders in corrupt practices.
Minister for Internal Affairs Ephraim Kamuntu thanked Museveni for fulfilling his constitutional mandate by appointing the remaining ministers and commended him for his patience in resolving issues related to dual citizenship.
Kamuntu urged the new ministers to work closely with their colleagues to advance the government’s development agenda and contribute to efforts to achieve middle-income status.
Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet Lucy Nakyobe presented the three ministers to the President during the ceremony, which was attended by senior government officials and family members of the newly appointed ministers.
Museveni’s comments come after the delayed swearing-in of minister Shartsi Kutesa and Adonia Ayebare while Dr.Lawrence Muganga’s appointment was rejected by parliament on grounds of dual citizenship.
The three ministers, appointed by President Museveni in his new cabinet were accused of having dual citizenship and were asked to renounce the other citizenship before they could be cleared for positions in cabinet.
