President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has renewed his call for clarity on dual citizenship, warning that Ugandans cannot simultaneously owe allegiance to two countries as he presided over the swearing-in of three new ministers at State House, Entebbe.
Museveni said Uganda’s position on citizenship must be understood against the country’s turbulent political history, which saw thousands of Ugandans flee into exile during periods of instability, including the 1966 crisis and the regime of former President Idi Amin.
“The dual citizenship arrangement was introduced to address a difficult history. But one must choose where their loyalty lies,” Museveni said, linking the citizenship debate to Uganda’s wider push for East African integration.
The President argued that citizens of neighbouring countries should ultimately make a clear choice on their allegiance, or alternatively embrace deeper regional integration through the proposed East African Federation.
“If we are to have unity, then let us unite, but you cannot owe allegiance to two sides,” he said.
Museveni’s remarks came as three newly appointed ministers formally assumed office after taking the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Minister, in accordance with Article 115 of the Constitution.
The new ministers are Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, the Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development in charge of Microfinance; and Juma Witonze, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs.
While congratulating the trio, Museveni tasked them with tackling corruption and inefficiency across government institutions, stressing that effective supervision and accountability are essential to restoring integrity in public service.
He said many of the problems affecting government agencies are caused not only by weak systems but also by negligence and the involvement of civil servants and political leaders in corrupt practices.
The Minister for Internal Affairs, Ephraim Kamuntu thanked the President for completing the appointment of the ministers and commended him for his patience in handling issues surrounding dual citizenship.
Kamuntu urged the new ministers to work closely with other government officials to implement the government’s development agenda and support efforts to move Uganda towards middle-income status during the current term.
The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by senior government officials and relatives of the newly appointed ministers.
The Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe presented the ministers to the President before they took their respective oaths.
