President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Hon. Juma Witonze Kisekka as the new State Minister for Internal Affairs, filling a vacancy that arose after the nomination of Dr. Lawrence Muganga failed to secure approval from Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
Witonze, a seasoned diplomat and politician, currently serves as the Chief Coordinator of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) for the Greater Mpigi region. He has also previously contested for a seat in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and had recently expressed interest in the latest EALA by-election.
His appointment follows weeks of uncertainty surrounding Dr. Muganga’s nomination, which stalled after Parliament’s Appointments Committee raised concerns about his citizenship status.
According to officials familiar with the vetting process, the committee relied on a verification report from the Ministry of Internal Affairs indicating that Muganga was associated with Ugandan, Canadian, and Rwandan citizenship.
Sources said other ministerial nominees who faced similar questions over dual citizenship—including Adonia Ayebare, Calvin Echodu, and Sharsti Kutesa Musherure—presented documentation showing they had initiated formal renunciation procedures with the relevant foreign authorities.
However, Muganga reportedly did not provide similar documentation during his appearance before the committee.
Although he disputed claims that he remained a Rwandan citizen, committee members insisted on official documentary proof before recommending his appointment for approval.
It’s true that H.E @KagutaMuseveni has forwarded the name of Hon. JUMA WITONZE KISSEKA TO PARLIAMENT FOR VETTING AND APPROVAL as minister of State of Internal Affairs!
Heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS, my dear brother @HonWitonze on your well deserved appointment! pic.twitter.com/Qh5lRP15F4
— Cpt.Dr. Ashraph Rubagangura. Agaba. (@Rubagangura) July 27, 2026
