Kampala — The vetting of State Minister for Internal Affairs-designate Dr. Lawrence Muganga has encountered a major hurdle after Parliament’s Appointments Committee reportedly deferred a final decision on his approval over concerns regarding his citizenship status. But Dr. Muganga has come out to claim that it is deputy speaker Thomas Tayebwa who failed him because of being a Munyarwanda by tribe.
Dr. Muganga, the Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, appeared before the committee on Tuesday, June 02, 2026, as part of the vetting exercise for President Yoweri Museveni’s newly appointed ministers.
However, reports claimed that committee members sought further clarification regarding Muganga’s past citizenship status and whether he had fully complied with Uganda’s laws governing dual and multiple citizenship.
During the vetting exercise, Muganga reportedly acknowledged having previously held Ugandan and Canadian citizenship and explained that many Ugandans living abroad acquire foreign citizenship while pursuing education and employment opportunities. He maintained that Uganda remains his home and that his loyalty lies with the country.
According to reports, committee members questioned him about allegations that he had at different times held Ugandan, Canadian and Rwandan citizenship. Muganga is said to have informed the committee that he relinquished any other citizenships acquired in the past and remains committed to serving Uganda.
“Before I came here, I definitely had two citizenships—that’s the Ugandan citizenship and the Canadian citizenship. Like every young person who really aspires to do better, you leave this country and you go to different countries, trying to work there, and you get some money, you help your people you left back home. You help your brothers, your sisters, your parents, and even the friends. So, that is me…. many Ugandans do that,” said Muganga.
“As I speak right now, there are some who are at the airport leaving the country. Before you know, they will have citizenships of other countries. But that does not take away one’s love for the country. I am Ugandan…Uganda is my country”- The Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, Kampala, Dr Lawrence Muganga who was appointed as the State Minister for Internal Affairs by President Museveni.”
Muganga’s nomination has attracted significant public interest because the Ministry of Internal Affairs oversees immigration, citizenship administration, passport issuance, national identification systems and border management. Critics argue that questions surrounding citizenship must therefore be fully addressed before a minister assumes office.
The controversy also revives debates that have followed Muganga for years. In 2021, he was briefly arrested by security agencies over allegations relating to his citizenship and immigration status during a period of strained relations between Uganda and Rwanda. He was later released without charge and has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
A renowned academic and education reform advocate, Muganga rose to prominence through his work in higher education, particularly after becoming Vice Chancellor of Victoria University. He is widely credited with championing digital learning and innovation-driven education reforms.
President Museveni appointed Muganga as State Minister for Internal Affairs as part of his new Cabinet announced last month. The appointment was viewed by many observers as an attempt to bring technocratic expertise and private-sector experience into government.
The committee is expected to make a final determination after reviewing the necessary documentation and receiving any additional clarifications required regarding his citizenship history. Until then, his appointment remains pending.
MUGANGA BLAMES THOMAS TAYEBWA
In a lengthy statement, Dr. Muganga accused Thomas Tayebwa of discriminating him and of exhibiting hatred against him during the vetting.
He denied Rwandan citizenship, and accused Tayebwa of failing him because of his tribe.
“I do NOT hold a Rwandan passport. This is a deliberate falsehood introduced by Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, and the truth must be told,” he wrote on X.
“… what I experienced in that committee was not parliamentary oversight. It was hatred. It was discrimination. It was racism, directed at me simply because I am a Munyarwanda.”
He also asked what Thomas Tayebwa was afraid of if he became junior internal affairs minister.
“So I ask one simple question: what is Hon. Tayebwa so afraid of? What remains hidden that my presence at Internal Affairs would threaten to uncover?”
The Pearl Times could not independently verify Muganga’s claims but the Victoria University VC has threatened to release an audio pinning Tayebwa. The deputy speaker was expected to respond to the claims.
It should be remembered that years ago, Dr Lawrence Muganga was arrested and detained by CMI for reportedly spying on Uganda for Paul Kagame’s Rwandan government. (See Details Here, There and Over There).
Most of Museveni’s ministers sailed through. But his wife and education minister-designate Janet Museveni did not physically attend but reportedly asked to be vetted via Zoom, as reported Here.
You can see Museveni’s full cabinet list, names of dropped and new ministers Here, There and Over There.
