Uganda Constitution vs Dual Citizenship: Lawrence Muganga’s Appointment as Minister Sparks Legal Debate-Here is Senior counsel Rashid Semambo’s 5 page legal opinions

Kampala – May 29, 2026

The appointment of Dr. Lawrence Muganga as Minister of State for Internal Affairs has triggered a fresh legal and constitutional debate in Uganda after it emerged that he holds dual citizenship of both Uganda and Rwanda.

Critics have questioned the legality of the appointment, citing the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control (Amendment) Act 2009. 

Some legal interpretations claim the law restricts dual citizens from holding certain ministerial positions, specifically those listed under the 5th Schedule, including Cabinet Ministers and other Ministers.

In a detailed 5-page clarification, prominent advocate Ssemambo Rashid has weighed in on the controversy. Rashid argues that the concerns raised represent a “storm in a teacup,” emphasizing that dual citizenship was formally introduced into Ugandan law through Article 15 of the Constitution.

He specifically highlights Article 15(2), which states:  “A person who is not a citizen of Uganda, may, on acquiring the citizenship of Uganda, subject to this constitution and any law enacted by Parliament, retain the citizenship of another country.”

Rashid further notes that citizenship fundamentally guarantees an individual’s rights and privileges within the political community in exchange for allegiance to the state.The article has sparked discussions across legal circles and on social media, with many Ugandans now asking whether the Constitution permits dual citizens to occupy sensitive ministerial positions such as Internal Affairs.

Read the full 5-page clarification by Ssemambo Rashid here: 

THE UGANDA CONSTITUTION, DUAL CITIZENSHIP, LAWRENCE MUGANGA & TIK TOK SSEMAMBO RASHID. 

29th May, 2026 We again find ourselves at the usual intellectual (or lack thereof) crossroads in Uganda now stemming from inter-alia, the appointment of Dr. Lawrence Muganga to Minister of State in charge of Internal Affairs whilst he holds dual citizenship (CANADA and UGANDA). 

The storm in the tea-cup (sic) derives from the presumed expert “Constitutional” and “Legal” interpretation of the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control (Amendment) Act 2009, where it has been argued, limits the appointments of dual citizens to the listed portfolios under the 5th schedule to the Act including Item 4. “Cabinet Minister and other Ministers.”It is imperative to comment from the outset that dual citizenship was introduced into the Ugandan jurisprudence through an amendment of the Uganda constitution by enacting Article 15. Of relevance to the debate, Article 15(2) provides thus;

Details:-