Leaders of Ugandans in the diaspora under the Confederation of Uganda Diaspora Associations Limited have asked President Yoweri Museveni to confirm four ministers-designate who missed their oath of allegiance and oath of minister on Monday due to a dual and multi citizenship controversy.
In a letter to President Museveni dated June 9 and seen by this reporter, leaders and representatives of Ugandan diaspora communities worldwide asked the President to confirm the designates, arguing that their lived experience abroad will ensure issues affecting Ugandans in the diaspora are brought to the forefront of government deliberations.
“Their presence in government means that Diaspora perspectives will be part of national policy formulation and priority-setting, ensuring that millions of Ugandan citizens living and contributing from outside the country are not overlooked in the decisions that shape our shared future,” the letter reads.
The ministers-designate still awaiting President Museveni’s decision as he awaits an advisory report from the Ministry of Public Service on their eligibility to hold cabinet office include: Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, Foreign Affairs Minister designate; Mr Calvin Echodu, designate Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs); Ms Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, designate Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Microfinance); and Dr Lawrence Muganga, designate Minister of State for Internal Affairs.
The leaders said the inclusion is of profound importance to diaspora communities, since it signifies the important role they play in the country’s development.
“Your Excellency’s decision to appoint distinguished members of the Diaspora to senior ministerial office is a moment of great significance to Ugandans abroad, which is a clear signal that the Diaspora is a valued stakeholder in the service of our nation,” the letter reads.
While Uganda permits dual citizenship, Article 15(7) of the Constitution empowers Parliament to restrict holders of dual nationality from occupying certain public offices. The Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control (Amendment) Act of 2009 lists several sensitive state positions that dual citizens may not hold, with the Fifth Schedule to the Act explicitly citing the offices of “Cabinet Minister and other Ministers”.
The 12 undersigned association presidents include: Murema Murinzi Boaz – Federation of Ugandans in Germany; Lambert Etibot from the North America Associations; Dr Manoj Joshimbe from the Europe/United Kingdom Associations; Ms Bridget Akanga from the Uganda Diaspora Empowerment Network Sweden; Ms Justus Mirembe from the National Alliance of Ugandan Canadian Associations; and Mr Ryan Aliguma Saul from the Ugandan Community in Qatar.
The rest include: Mr Moses Kibombo Ssentongo from the Confederation of Ugandans in Southern Africa; Mr Mustafa Ndugwa, Association of Ugandans in the UAE; Mr Stephen Musana, Ugandans in Czech Republic; Mr Tonny Muwanga from Ugandans in Belgium; Ricky Papa Baguma for the Ugandan community in China; and Fr David Niwagaba for the Ugandan community in Malawi.