TAKEAWAYS

• Muganga defended his dual Ugandan-Canadian citizenship during parliamentary vetting.
• He rejected suggestions that his Rwandan heritage diminishes his Ugandan identity.
• The newly appointed minister pledged to renounce his Canadian citizenship.

Dr. Lawrence Muganga has defended his loyalty to Uganda and his dual citizenship status following parliamentary scrutiny during his vetting for the position of State Minister for Internal Affairs.

Muganga, who currently serves as Vice Chancellor of Victoria University Kampala, appeared before Parliament after his appointment by President Yoweri Museveni. His nomination attracted public debate, largely due to his Rwandan heritage and his possession of Canadian citizenship alongside his Ugandan nationality.

During the vetting process, Muganga made it clear that he remains proud of both his identity and his country.

“I’m a Munyarwanda and I don’t regret it. People need to differentiate between a Rwandese and a Munyarwanda. For me, I have made my case.”

Addressing concerns about holding dual citizenship, Muganga explained that his journey mirrors that of many Ugandans who leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad.

“Before I came here, I definitely had two citizenships—the Ugandan citizenship and the Canadian citizenship,” he said. “Like every young person who aspires to do better, you leave your country, work hard, earn a living and support your family back home.”

He argued that acquiring another nationality does not diminish one’s patriotism, noting that thousands of Ugandans living abroad continue to support their families and contribute to national development.

“That does not take away one’s love for the country. I am Ugandan. Uganda is my country. I love my country. Even when I die, I want to be buried here near my parents because this is my home.”

Muganga further stated that while he was proud to have obtained Canadian citizenship during his time abroad, he remains deeply committed to Uganda. He assured legislators that he would renounce his Canadian citizenship in line with the requirements attached to his ministerial appointment.

His remarks come amid ongoing public discussion about dual citizenship and national identity, issues that affect many Ugandans serving in public office, business, and the diaspora. For Muganga, however, citizenship documents do not define patriotism; commitment to one’s country does. It’s waited to see if e will finally be given the green light to assume his new position.