Newly appointed Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Sanjay Tanna, has dismissed allegations that he holds dual citizenship, affirming that he is purely Ugandan.
Speaking shortly after his parliamentary vetting on Monday, Tanna emphasized that he was born and raised in Uganda and holds only a Ugandan passport.
“I don’t have any other citizenship with any foreign country. I’m a Ugandan with only a Ugandan Passport,” he stated, addressing public concerns.
Tanna’s vetting came after President Museveni released his latest cabinet list, which included the two-time former Tororo Municipality MP.
His appointment drew public scrutiny, partly due to speculation about his nationality.
Under the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act, individuals holding dual citizenship are barred from serving as Cabinet Ministers.
The law specifically prohibits dual citizens from holding positions including the presidency, vice presidency, prime ministership, and all ministerial portfolios.
During the vetting, Tanna also outlined his plans for the ministry. He pledged to revive cooperatives, link farmers to factories, and expand both local and international markets for Ugandan produce.
Tanna is not the only minister whose nationality has been questioned. Among others under scrutiny are Victoria University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lawrence Muganga, appointed State Minister for Internal Affairs who’s accused of having Rwanda and Canada citizenship, and Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Sanjay Tanna is also the father of Shyama Jay Tanna, the newly sworn-in Tororo Municipality MP in the 12th Parliament.
