A section of civil society activists, lawyers and governance analysts have petitioned the Inspectorate of Government to investigate allegations that several serving foreign service officers and diplomats may have acquired or used citizenship documentation of foreign states while still in active service.
Signed by Ms Miria Matembe, Job Kiija, Kato Tumusiime, Eron Kiiza and Tumusiime Kakuru, the petitioners said the matter was brought in the public interest and in defense of constitutional governance, integrity in public office, protection of Uganda’s sovereignty, and public confidence in the diplomatic service.
‘We, the undersigned citizens of the Republic of Uganda, respectfully petition the Inspectorate of Government pursuant to Articles 225, 226, 227, 230 and 233 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, the Inspectorate of Government Act, Cap. 31, the Leadership Code Act, and other enabling laws,’ the statement reads in part.
Foreign Service Officers and diplomats serve as official representatives of the Republic of Uganda in foreign states and international organisations. Their offices are inherently sovereign in character and require undivided loyalty, fidelity, confidentiality, and allegiance to the Republic of Uganda.
According to Ms Miria Matembe, it has become a matter of widespread public concern that a number of serving diplomats posted to countries such as the United States of America, Canada, and several European states may have applied for or acquired citizenship of host countries; obtained foreign nationality documentation or immigration privileges inconsistent with their diplomatic status; failed to disclose such status to appointing authorities; and continued to enjoy diplomatic privileges while maintaining divided allegiance.
‘There is further public concern that some officers may have pursued such foreign citizenship arrangements principally to secure personal and family benefits, including subsidized education, immigration advantages, and long-term settlement rights in host countries, contrary to the spirit and obligations of diplomatic service,’ she said.
Article 2 of the Constitution establishes the supremacy of the Constitution, while the National Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy require integrity, patriotism, accountability, and fidelity in public administration. Article 208 recognizes the duty of state institutions and public officers to safeguard national sovereignty and constitutional order.
Mr Job Kiija, a governance researcher and civic activist, said the allegations raise grave constitutional, legal, ethical and national security concerns.
‘Any acquisition of foreign citizenship by serving diplomats fundamentally raises questions regarding divided loyalty; conflict of interest; national security exposure; impairment of diplomatic independence; and abuse of positions entrusted for the service of Uganda,’ he said.
Mr Kato Tumusiime, a human rights lawyer and civil rights activist, said the alleged conduct appears inconsistent with the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders, 2021, which apply to public officers including Foreign Service Officers.
‘Foreign Service Officers are further governed by the Foreign Service Standing Orders and established diplomatic service regulations, which impose heightened obligations of loyalty, confidentiality, patriotism, fidelity to the Republic of Uganda, and protection of Uganda’s sovereign interests abroad,’ he said.
He added that, ‘These standards recognize that diplomatic officers occupy uniquely sensitive positions involving state representation, confidential negotiations, intelligence exposure, and execution of Uganda’s foreign policy. The acquisition or maintenance of foreign citizenship by serving diplomats is fundamentally inconsistent with the spirit, purpose, and integrity obligations underpinning the Foreign Service.’
Under Section A-1 of the Standing Orders, public officers are required to take the Official Oath, the Oath of Secrecy, the Oath of Allegiance, and the obligation not to undertake any subsequent oath inconsistent with the Oath of Allegiance sworn to the Republic of Uganda.
The concern is further aggravated by the fact that acquisition of citizenship through naturalization in many foreign jurisdictions ordinarily requires the applicant to take an oath of allegiance to the foreign state, which may directly conflict with the oath of allegiance sworn by Foreign Service Officers to the Republic of Uganda.
Activists say the alleged conduct also raises serious concerns under the Leadership Code Act, which imposes duties of honesty, integrity, transparency, and avoidance of conflicts of interest upon leaders and public officers.
On Monday this week, four of the 81 Cabinet ministers and ministers of state missed taking oath after they were red flagged on accusation of possessing multiple citizenship contrary to Section 19(d) of the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control Act, which bars dual citizens from holding sensitive state offices including Cabinet and State Minister positions.
Among these were Dr Lawrence Muganga, nominated for State Minister for Internal Affairs despite possessing citizenship in Uganda, Canada and Rwanda; Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, nominated for Minister of Foreign Affairs while holding Uganda and American citizenship; Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, nominated for State Minister for Finance (Microfinance) while also holding Uganda and American citizenship; and Calvin Echodu, nominated for State Minister for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs).