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Lawyers petition IGG over diplomats’ dual citizenship
“We the undersigned citizens of the Republic of Uganda respectfully submit the attached petition seeking a formal investigation into allegations that certain serving Foreign Service Officers and diplomats of Uganda may have acquired, applied for, or maintained foreign citizenship and nationality interests while actively serving in Uganda’s diplomatic service,” the petition states.
Matembe questioned reports that some diplomatic appointees had merely initiated the renunciation of foreign citizenship rather than completing the process. (Credit: Rhyman Agaba)
By: Rhyman Agaba, Journalist @New Vision
KAMPALA - A group of lawyers has petitioned the Inspectorate of Government seeking an investigation into reports that several Ugandan diplomats and Foreign Service officers have acquired foreign citizenship while holding public office, which puts the country's credibility and security at stake.
The group of lawyers led by former Minister of Ethics and Integrity, Miria Matembe, includes Eron Kiiza, Kato Tumusiime, and Tumusiime Kakuru, who were joined by governance researcher Job Kiija in filing the petition.
The group argues that the acquisition of foreign citizenship by serving diplomats creates divided loyalty, poses a conflict of interest and threatens Uganda’s national security.
The concerns are contained in a seven-page petition dated June 10, 2026, addressed to the Inspectorate of Government, and received today.
The petition was also sent to the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet (Lucy Nakyobe), as well as the Office of the President. The petitioners later addressed a press conference at Eureka Place in Ntinda, Kampala, today (June 10).
“We the undersigned citizens of the Republic of Uganda respectfully submit the attached petition seeking a formal investigation into allegations that certain serving Foreign Service Officers and diplomats of Uganda may have acquired, applied for, or maintained foreign citizenship and nationality interests while actively serving in Uganda’s diplomatic service,” the petition states.
Section 19(2) of the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act states that a Ugandan citizen ceases to be a citizen of Uganda if, upon attaining the age of 18 years, he or she voluntarily acquires or retains the citizenship of another country, except through marriage.
Matembe questioned reports that some diplomatic appointees had merely initiated the renunciation of foreign citizenship rather than completing the process.
“I want to tell you that we hear that those who have been vetted provisionally have tendered the evidence of having started a process of renouncing American citizenship. So, what does it mean to us to start a process? The process of renouncing American citizenship takes a long time. And you have listened to what they swore when they swore to be Americans,” she said.
The former minister appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to reconsider the appointment of individuals whose citizenship status may be in question.
“We the undersigned citizens of the Republic of Uganda respectfully submit the attached petition seeking a formal investigation into allegations that certain serving Foreign Service Officers and diplomats of Uganda may have acquired, applied for, or maintained foreign citizenship and nationality interests while actively serving in Uganda’s diplomatic service,” the petition states.
Section 19(2) of the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act states that a Ugandan citizen ceases to be a citizen of Uganda if, upon attaining the age of 18 years, he or she voluntarily acquires or retains the citizenship of another country, except through marriage.
Matembe questioned reports that some diplomatic appointees had merely initiated the renunciation of foreign citizenship rather than completing the process.
“I want to tell you that we hear that those who have been vetted provisionally have tendered the evidence of having started a process of renouncing American citizenship. So, what does it mean to us to start a process? The process of renouncing American citizenship takes a long time. And you have listened to what they swore when they swore to be Americans,” she said.
The former minister appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to reconsider the appointment of individuals whose citizenship status may be in question.
“I'm appealing to President Museveni; please don't think that we are talking for nothing. I'm your former Minister for Ethics and Integrity, a person who made the Constitution of Uganda, a person who had all the hopes in you as the transformer of this nation, and I'm calling upon you, please listen to the people of Uganda,” Matembe said.
On his part, Kiija said the issues raised touch on possible violations of the Constitution, the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders, Foreign Service Standing Orders and the Leadership Code Act.
He added that the concerns also relate to the Diplomatic Privileges Act and principles aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty.
According to Kiija, divided allegiance among serving diplomats undermines public confidence, national integrity and accountability.
“Abuse of diplomatic status damages Uganda’s credibility internationally and failure to enforce standards within the Foreign Service weakens constitutional governance and accountability,” he said.
The petitioners argued that Uganda’s diplomatic service is a critical sovereign institution whose officers serve as custodians of the country's international identity and strategic interests.
They, therefore, requested the inspectorate of government to conduct a comprehensive investigation to establish the extent to which serving diplomats and Foreign Service officers may have acquired foreign citizenship while in public service.
They maintain that their petition has been submitted in good faith and in public interest to promote constitutional governance, accountability and adherence to Uganda’s laws.
On his part, Kiija said the issues raised touch on possible violations of the Constitution, the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders, Foreign Service Standing Orders and the Leadership Code Act.
He added that the concerns also relate to the Diplomatic Privileges Act and principles aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty.
According to Kiija, divided allegiance among serving diplomats undermines public confidence, national integrity and accountability.
“Abuse of diplomatic status damages Uganda’s credibility internationally and failure to enforce standards within the Foreign Service weakens constitutional governance and accountability,” he said.
The petitioners argued that Uganda’s diplomatic service is a critical sovereign institution whose officers serve as custodians of the country's international identity and strategic interests.
They, therefore, requested the inspectorate of government to conduct a comprehensive investigation to establish the extent to which serving diplomats and Foreign Service officers may have acquired foreign citizenship while in public service.
They maintain that their petition has been submitted in good faith and in public interest to promote constitutional governance, accountability and adherence to Uganda’s laws.