Ayebare, Musherure, Witonze Finally Sworn In As Museveni Explains Gov’t Position On Dual Citizenship

HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I  Government’s stance on dual citizenship is best explained by Uganda’s historical experience and the circumstances that shaped its citizenship laws.

This was disclosed by President Yoweri Museveni as he presided over the swearing-in ceremony of three newly appointed ministers at State House, Entebbe today, August

The newly sworn-in ministers are Amb. Adonia Ayebare, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development in charge of Microfinance; and Witonze Juma, Minister of State for Internal Affairs.

Before assuming office, the three ministers took and subscribed to the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of a Minister, as required under Article 115 of the Constitution and prescribed in the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution.

Museveni urged the ministers to fight corruption and inefficiency in government institutions.

He further noted that since 1966, Uganda has experienced periods of political instability that forced many citizens into exile, including during the 1966 crisis involving the Kabaka of Buganda, Sir Edward Muteesa II, and later during the regime of former President Idi Amin.

The President explained that following the restoration of peace under the NRM Government, the issue of citizenship became more structured, particularly in relation to Uganda’s 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. For neighbouring countries, it is important that people make a clear choice, or we move towards an East African Federation,” he said.

He emphasised that their responsibility is to restore integrity in public service through effective supervision and accountability, noting that many challenges affecting government institutions arise from negligence or the direct involvement of civil servants and political leaders in corrupt practices.

Museveni further highlighted ongoing regional integration efforts, noting that Uganda continues to advocate for the establishment of an East African Federation as a long-term solution to questions of identity, citizenship and regional integration.

Ephraim Kamuntu, the minister for Internal Affairs, urged the newly sworn-in ministers to work closely with their colleagues to advance Uganda’s development agenda and support efforts to achieve middle-income status during the current term of government.

Lucy Nakyobe, the head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, presented the ministers to the President for the swearing-in ceremony.

The ceremony was attended by senior government officials and family members of the newly sworn-in ministers.

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