Four miss out on Cabinet swearing pending clearance over citizenship

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Four ministers-designate with questionable citizenship status are conspicuously missing at State House Entebbe for the Cabinet swearing-in ceremony.

The four ministers are: Adonia Ayebare, the Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs; Shartsi Musherure, State Minister-designate for Microfinance; Calvin Echodu, State Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs); and Prof. Lawrence Muganga, the State Minister-designate for Internal Affairs.

Although vetted by Parliament and some approved, the Ministers have not appeared at the swearing-in ceremony due to unresolved questions regarding their citizenship status.

Sources said the Government lawyers are still reviewing whether the renunciation of their respective foreign citizenship meets the legal requirements for holding ministerial offices in Uganda.

According to documents submitted to Parliament's Appointments Committee, the four were flagged over issues related to dual or multiple citizenship. 

Calvin Echodu, State Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs)

The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that some of the nominees either held dual citizenship or were still undergoing the process of renouncing foreign citizenship.

Sources indicated that the Government legal team is still discussing whether initiating the renunciation process is sufficient or whether ministers must first obtain final confirmation from the foreign countries concerned before they can legally assume office.

The delay means the rest of the Cabinet was sworn in while the four nominees await legal clearance and a final decision from the Government.

A total of 78 newly-appointed ministers, including the Vice President Jessica Alupo and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, are currently taking oath today at the State House in Entebbe. The ceremony is presided over by President Yoweri Museveni.