Lawyer defends Muganga appointment, says dual citizens eligible as ministers

30 May 2026, 10:51 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Article 15 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda provides for dual citizenship for Ugandans. It states that a Ugandan citizen aged 18 years and above who voluntarily acquires the citizenship of another country may retain Ugandan citizenship, subject to the Constitution and any law enacted by Parliament. It further provides that a person who acquires Ugandan citizenship may, subject to the Constitution and the law, retain the citizenship of another country.

It is against this background that Advocate Rashid Ssemambo, Managing Partner at Ssemambo and Ssemambo Advocates, has challenged claims that the appointment of Dr Lawrence Muganga violates Ugandan law.

The controversy stems from the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control (Amendment) Act, 2009, specifically Section 19D, which lists Cabinet Ministers and other ministers among positions that cannot be held by dual citizens.

In a five-page legal opinion dated 29 May 2026, Mr Ssemambo argues that the restriction is unconstitutional and therefore unenforceable.

According to Mr Ssemambo, Article 80 of the Constitution requires only that a person be a citizen of Uganda to qualify as a Member of Parliament and, by extension, a minister. He argues that the Constitution does not impose any additional citizenship requirements.

He further notes that the Constitution is the supreme law of Uganda and that any Act of Parliament that is inconsistent with it is void to the extent of the inconsistency.

Mr Ssemambo also relies on the principle of harmonious interpretation, arguing that constitutional provisions must be read together and that subordinate legislation cannot limit rights granted by the Constitution.

On this basis, he concludes that barring dual citizens from ministerial appointments is unconstitutional and that Parliament has the authority to disregard the provision in question.

In the same opinion, Mr Ssemambo includes a broader commentary on social media, comparing its unregulated spread in Africa to the British opium trade in China. He warns that societies risk moral and social decline if governments fail to regulate the quality and quantity of information reaching citizens.

It should be noted that Mr Rashid Ssemambo is an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda and all subordinate courts.

Dr Lawrence Muganga is expected to replace Gen David Muhoozi as Minister of State for Internal Affairs, subject to his vetting and approval by Parliament.