Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has highlighted the potential of deeper East African integration to address complex issues related to citizenship and national allegiance. Speaking at State House, Entebbe, during the swearing-in of three new ministers, Museveni underscored how dual citizenship remains a contentious topic across the region.

He noted that Uganda's citizenship challenges are rooted in a history marked by political upheavals, displacement, and cross-border communities. "The dual citizenship arrangement was introduced to address a difficult history. But one must choose where their loyalty lies," Museveni said. He emphasized that for unity to succeed, individuals need to commit to one nation or move towards a broader East African Federation.

Parliamentary Hurdles and Regional Citizenship Policies

Museveni's remarks came amid recent parliamentary rejection of several cabinet nominees due to their possession of dual citizenship. Notable examples include Adonia Ayebare, nominated as foreign minister, who holds a US passport and was required to renounce it before assuming office. Uganda’s Constitution prohibits dual citizens from holding high government positions.

Similar challenges are present in Kenya, which permits dual nationality but restricts holders of foreign passports from certain state roles. Kenya even extended these restrictions to ambassadors following a controversial appointment. Tanzania maintains a strict no dual citizenship policy, while countries like Somalia and South Sudan have more ambiguous stances, allowing some officials to hold multiple nationalities.

Historical Context and Future Integration

Museveni traced the citizenship debate to Uganda's political crises from the 1960s onward, which forced many citizens into exile and created cross-border communities. The restoration of peace necessitated clearer citizenship laws as many returned home.

However, the president views national citizenship arrangements as insufficient for long-term solutions. He advocates for the East African Federation as a framework to resolve issues of identity, allegiance, and citizenship comprehensively.

New Ministers Sworn In

  • Adonia Ayebare – Minister of Foreign Affairs
  • Shartsi Kutesa Musherure – Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Microfinance)
  • Witonze Juma – Minister of State for Internal Affairs

These ministers took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Minister, with Witonze Juma replacing Lawrence Muganga, who was rejected due to holding multiple citizenships without clear renunciation.

Museveni called on the new ministers to uphold integrity, accountability, and effective supervision to combat negligence and corruption that undermine government programmes.