A disagreement has arisen between Members of Parliament and Dr. Lawrence Muganga following his rejection by the Appointments Committee, with differing explanations about what led to the decision. Kasambya County MP Daudi Kabanda rejected claims that Muganga’s dismissal was based on his identity as a Munyarwanda, calling such assertions “misleading and dangerous.”
He pointed out that other Ugandan leaders of Banyarwanda descent, including Ministers Aisha Ssekindi and Dianah Mutasingwa, have previously been approved, arguing that ethnicity was not a factor in the committee’s decision. Kabanda instead attributed the rejection to concerns about Muganga’s citizenship status. He stated that committee findings indicated Muganga holds three passports Ugandan, Canadian, and Rwandan despite reportedly denying possession of a Rwandan passport during the vetting process. Kabanda questioned the inconsistency and its implications.
In response, Dr. Muganga firmly denied holding a Rwandan passport and accused Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa of introducing false claims. He further alleged that the outcome of the vetting had been decided in advance, quoting remarks he attributed to Tayebwa suggesting that one candidate had to be rejected. Muganga described the process as unfair and discriminatory.
He also claimed that his treatment before the committee reflected bias linked to his identity as a Munyarwanda, emphasizing that Banyarwanda are equal Ugandan citizens. Muganga said he would release audio evidence to support his allegations.
Kabanda, however, defended the integrity of the Appointments Committee, noting that candidates with dual citizenship are expected to provide proof of renunciation where necessary. He questioned whether Muganga had fulfilled this requirement and maintained that the committee has no record of rejecting nominees based on ethnicity. The issue remains unresolved, with both sides maintaining their positions.