The debate over Muganga’s appointment has therefore renewed discussion about the interpretation and application of Uganda’s dual citizenship laws, particularly regarding eligibility for senior public office.
Retired General David Sejusa has weighed in on the ongoing debate over the appointment of Dr. Lawrence Muganga as State Minister for Internal Affairs, maintaining that Uganda’s laws on dual citizenship contain clear limitations that should be respected.
Sejusa, a former National Resistance Army (NRA) bush war commander, Coordinator of Intelligence Services, and Director General of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), said the country’s dual citizenship regime was introduced after extensive discussions and with safeguards intended to prevent potential abuse.
According to Sejusa, dual citizenship was prohibited in Uganda until constitutional amendments enacted in 2005 paved the way for its recognition. He noted that the subsequent legal framework, operationalized in 2009, included restrictions aimed at addressing concerns raised during the reform process.
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“I was among those who advocated for the legalization of dual citizenship in Uganda,” Sejusa said. “The decision was largely driven by economic considerations, but when the law was implemented, strict provisions were included to reassure those who feared it could be misused.”
The retired general emphasized that Parliament intentionally defined both the rights enjoyed by dual citizens and the public offices they are not permitted to occupy.
“For me, the issue is not dual citizenship itself. The real question is whether we are prepared to follow the law as it stands,” he said.
He argued that if policymakers believe the existing framework no longer serves the country’s interests, the appropriate course of action would be to amend the law rather than disregard it.
“If there are new realities or interests that need to be accommodated, then the law should be changed. A country that tolerates violations of the law in minor matters risks normalizing violations in more significant ones,” Sejusa added.
His remarks come amid increasing scrutiny of Muganga’s nomination, with critics pointing to Article 15(7) of the Constitution and provisions of the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act. The law empowers Parliament to determine which public offices are off-limits to holders of dual citizenship.
Under the Fifth Schedule of the Act, dual citizens are barred from holding several key positions, including those of President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Minister and other ministerial offices. The restrictions also extend to the Inspector General of Government, the Chief of Defence Forces, service commanders, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, and members of the National Citizenship and Immigration Board.
The debate over Muganga’s appointment has therefore renewed discussion about the interpretation and application of Uganda’s dual citizenship laws, particularly regarding eligibility for senior public office.
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