Museveni Appoints Juma Witonze Kisekka As The State Minister For Internal Affairs
Museveni Appoints Juma Witonze Kisekka As The State Minister For Internal Affairs
Kampala, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Juma Witonze Kisekka as the new State Minister for Internal Affairs, replacing Dr Lawrence Muganga, whose nomination failed to secure approval from Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
The appointment, announced on Monday, ends weeks of uncertainty over the position after lawmakers declined to recommend Dr Muganga for appointment, citing unresolved questions surrounding his citizenship status.
Mr Witonze, a diplomat and politician, currently serves as the Greater Mpigi Coordinator of Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). He has also previously contested for election to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and had recently expressed interest in the latest EALA by-election.
Dr Muganga’s nomination became one of the most closely watched ministerial vetting processes after members of Parliament’s Appointments Committee sought clarification over reports that he was associated with Ugandan, Canadian and Rwandan citizenship.
According to officials familiar with the vetting process, the committee relied on a verification report from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which raised questions about his citizenship records.
Sources said other ministerial nominees who faced similar concerns, including the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Adonia Ayebare, businessman Calvin Echodu and Sharsti Kutesa Musherure, presented documents indicating they had begun formal procedures to renounce foreign citizenship where required under Ugandan law.
Committee members said Dr Muganga disputed claims that he remained a Rwandan citizen but did not provide documentary evidence from the relevant authorities to support his position during the vetting process.
The committee subsequently withheld its approval, and the matter was referred back to President Museveni for further action.
Mr Witonze is regarded as an experienced political mobiliser and diplomat, having served in various leadership roles within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Patriotic League of Uganda.
Following the announcement, PLU congratulated Mr Witonze, describing his appointment as recognition of his dedication to public service.
“This well–deserved appointment is a testament to your dedication, commitment and exemplary service to our nation,” the organisation said in a statement.
Supporters and political leaders also welcomed the appointment, expressing confidence that he would strengthen the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
As the State Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr Witonze will support the ministry responsible for internal security, immigration, national identification, prisons and coordination of agencies under the Internal Affairs docket.
The ministry plays a central role in maintaining public order, managing immigration services and supporting national security institutions.
Mr Witonze is expected to take the oath of office before formally assuming his duties.
His appointment fills a vacancy that had remained unresolved following the unsuccessful vetting of Dr Muganga and marks the latest change to President Museveni’s Cabinet as the government continues to reshape its leadership ahead of the next phase of its programme.
