KAMPALA — Newly appointed Minister of Internal Affairs, Prof. Lawrence Muganga, has dismissed allegations questioning his citizenship, insisting that he is a Ugandan by birth and fully eligible to serve in government.
The remarks come amid public debate and reports that concerns about his past ties to Rwanda were raised during the parliamentary vetting process following his appointment.
Speaking on the matter, Muganga said claims that he is a Rwandan citizen are false and intended to undermine his appointment.
“I want to debunk all the rumored allegations that I am a Munyarwanda with Rwandese citizenship. That is not true. I am a Ugandan born and raised in Luwafu, Mukono,” he said.
Muganga explained that he attended school in Uganda and graduated from Makerere University in 2001 before seeking employment opportunities abroad.
According to him, after failing to secure employment in Uganda, he moved to Rwanda where he worked for the Rwanda Revenue Authority. He acknowledged obtaining a Rwandan passport during his stay there, saying it helped him access better opportunities.
“Yes, I got a Rwandan passport, which helped me get better opportunities, but I denounced it when I left Rwanda and moved to Canada. I handed over the documents at the Rwandan Embassy in Ottawa,” he said.
Muganga maintained that he has never held Ugandan and Rwandan citizenship at the same time.
“In my life, I have never held Rwandan citizenship and Ugandan citizenship concurrently. Ugandans should stop believing these rumors because they are generated by people with ill intentions meant to discredit my eligibility to take up the office I have been appointed to serve,” he added.
The minister-designate also highlighted his long-standing involvement in community leadership, noting that he was the first Youth Councillor of Seeta Gwafu.
Despite the controversy, Muganga said his commitment to Uganda remains unchanged.
“I love my country and I will serve it whether I am appointed minister or not. Before the President appointed me, I was not jobless. My priority is serving Uganda and its citizens,” he said.
He called on Ugandans to reject divisive narratives and focus on national unity and development, saying his focus remains on contributing to the country’s progress and strengthening public institutions.
The citizenship issue has become one of the key points of discussion surrounding Muganga’s appointment, with supporters arguing that his international experience should not overshadow his Ugandan roots and record of service.
