Newly appointed Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Sanjay Tanna, has moved swiftly to dismiss allegations regarding his citizenship status, insisting that he is exclusively Ugandan and possesses only a Ugandan passport.The clarification comes amid growing public debate and political scrutiny surrounding recent Cabinet appointments, with questions being raised about whether some appointees may be holding dual citizenship, a status that would disqualify them from serving as Cabinet ministers under Uganda’s Constitution.
Speaking after appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Tanna firmly stated that there should be no doubt about his nationality.“I am exclusively a Ugandan. I hold one passport and that passport is Ugandan,” Tanna said.The businessman-turned-politician said his public service record and previous leadership roles demonstrate that his citizenship credentials have always been thoroughly vetted and verified by the relevant government authorities.
Petition Sparks Fresh Scrutiny
Tanna’s remarks come in the wake of a petition submitted to Parliament’s Appointments Committee seeking to block the approval of some ministerial nominees accused of allegedly concealing foreign citizenship.The petitioners argued that the Constitution is clear on the matter and that individuals holding dual citizenship cannot legally serve as Cabinet ministers.
The controversy has reignited a long-running national debate about citizenship, eligibility for public office, and the need for transparency among top government officials.Political analysts note that concerns about dual citizenship often emerge during major appointments because ministerial positions are among the highest offices in government and require strict compliance with constitutional provisions.
Tanna Points to Long Public Service
Tanna said allegations questioning his nationality are unfounded and ignore his long history of service in Uganda. The former Tororo Municipality Member of Parliament served two terms in Parliament and has spent years actively participating in national development initiatives.According to Tanna, his election to Parliament in the past required extensive verification processes that confirmed his Ugandan citizenship beyond doubt.“I have gone through electoral processes before. I have served in Parliament and all necessary checks regarding citizenship were conducted. There is nothing hidden about my status,” he said.Supporters of the minister-designate argue that his business investments and political career have been firmly rooted in Uganda, making accusations about hidden nationality both unfair and misleading.
Opposition Raises Constitutional Concerns
Meanwhile, the issue of dual citizenship was raised directly during discussions surrounding the vetting process by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi.Ssenyonyi said Parliament must ensure that all constitutional requirements are respected before ministerial nominees are approved.According to the opposition leader, individuals who hold dual citizenship should not be appointed to Cabinet positions because the Constitution expressly prohibits it.“We have raised concern over appointees who hold dual citizenship because they are not eligible to serve as ministers under the Constitution,” Ssenyonyi said.
He added that such individuals could still serve the country in other capacities where constitutional restrictions do not apply.“Our position is simple. If there are people who want to serve Uganda and possess valuable expertise, there are other offices available to them. However, ministerial positions must comply with constitutional requirements,” he said.Ssenyonyi’s comments have fueled public debate, with some Ugandans calling for greater disclosure requirements for senior government officials.
Vetting Process Nears Conclusion
The Appointments Committee has spent the past several days vetting President Yoweri Museveni’s latest ministerial nominees.Several high-profile figures have appeared before the committee, presenting their credentials and responding to questions regarding their suitability for office.Among those vetted was State Minister-designate for Minerals, Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, who was seen reviewing documents before appearing before the committee.
The vetting process is one of the most important stages in the formation of Cabinet because it gives lawmakers an opportunity to assess the qualifications, integrity, and eligibility of nominees before they formally assume office.Following completion of the hearings, the committee is expected to submit its report to the appointing authority.
Speaker Expected to Forward Report
Earlier on, Ssenyonyi indicated that Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth, who serves as spokesperson for the Appointments Committee, would be responsible for transmitting the committee’s findings after the vetting exercise.The report will outline whether the nominees satisfied all legal and constitutional requirements and whether Parliament has any reservations regarding their appointments.Political observers expect the citizenship issue to feature prominently in public discussions once the report is released.However, legal experts point out that the Appointments Committee is mandated to examine such concerns thoroughly and would be expected to address any legitimate constitutional questions before recommending approval.
Citizenship Debate Continues
The controversy has once again highlighted the sensitive nature of citizenship issues in Uganda’s political landscape.The Constitution imposes strict qualifications on individuals seeking certain public offices, including ministerial positions, in an effort to ensure loyalty and accountability to the nation.While dual citizenship is legally recognized in Uganda, holders of dual nationality face restrictions when it comes to occupying specific constitutional offices.For this reason, allegations regarding citizenship status often attract significant public attention, particularly when senior government appointments are involved. For Tanna, however, the matter appears straightforward.By publicly declaring that he holds only a Ugandan passport and has no other nationality, the minister-designate hopes to put speculation to rest and shift attention to his plans for the Trade Ministry.
If approved, Tanna will assume responsibility for a ministry that plays a critical role in promoting industrialization, supporting local businesses, attracting investment, and expanding Uganda’s export markets.As Parliament finalizes the vetting process and the appointing authority prepares to receive the committee’s report, attention will remain focused on whether the citizenship concerns raised by the opposition result in any further investigations. For now, Tanna remains adamant“I am exclusively Ugandan and I hold one passport that is Ugandan,” he said, seeking to draw a clear line under the debate that has surrounded his nomination.
Kadaga Vows To Chase EAC Contributions
Meanwhile, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs-designate Rebecca Kadaga has used her appearance before the Appointments Committee to raise concerns about the financial sustainability of the East African Community (EAC).
Kadaga revealed that several member states are failing to meet their financial obligations to the regional bloc, placing a heavy burden on a handful of countries that continue to fund its operations.According to Kadaga, the EAC is currently being sustained largely through contributions from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, while other partner states have fallen behind on their commitments.
“The others are not compliant as they should be, but I am planning to move to all capitals to make an appeal to ensure that money is found because they are partners and they enjoy the services but should also contribute,” Kadaga said shortly after her vetting.The veteran politician said one of her immediate priorities upon confirmation would be engaging fellow East African leaders and governments to ensure that all partner states meet their treaty obligations.She noted that the success of regional integration depends heavily on the willingness of member countries to contribute financially towards the institutions and programs that serve the entire bloc.
Kadaga emphasized that while all member states benefit from the advantages of regional cooperation, including trade facilitation, free movement and shared infrastructure projects, these benefits can only be sustained if every country plays its part.Her remarks come at a time when the East African Community continues to expand its membership and ambitions, with increased focus on regional trade, infrastructure development and political cooperation.Political observers say Kadaga’s planned diplomatic outreach could prove crucial in strengthening the financial position of the regional body and ensuring that the burden of funding the Community is shared more equitably among all partner states.
By Our Reporter
TANNA BREAKS SILENCE ON CITIZENSHIP ROW
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- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
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