Trade Minister-designate Sanjay Tanna has publicly stated that he holds only Ugandan citizenship amid growing scrutiny over the eligibility of some of President Yoweri Museveni’s recent ministerial appointees.
Speaking to journalists at Parliament shortly after appearing before the Appointments Committee for vetting on Monday, Tanna said the committee sought clarification on his nationality status during the session.
“The vetting process went smoothly. When I was asked about citizenship, I told the committee I don’t have any other citizenship apart from Uganda and hold only one passport, which is the Ugandan passport,” Tanna said.
His remarks come at a time of heightened public debate over Uganda’s dual citizenship laws and whether individuals holding dual nationality can legally occupy certain senior government positions.
The controversy has intensified following the appointment of several new ministers and the filing of a petition challenging the eligibility of dual citizens to serve in Cabinet.
Tanna is closely associated with Uganda’s dual citizenship debate, having played a role in shaping the country’s current legal framework while serving as Member of Parliament for Tororo Municipality.
In 2009, Parliament passed the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control (Amendment) Act after Article 15(7) of the Constitution empowered legislators to define the rights and obligations of dual citizens.
During parliamentary debate on the legislation, Tanna argued that the law would help address historical injustices suffered by Ugandans of Asian descent who lost their citizenship during the 1972 expulsion under Idi Amin’s regime.
“I think this Bill goes a long way to correct some of the injustices that were meted upon Ugandans, especially of Asian origin, who lost their citizenship during the exodus of 1972,” Tanna said at the time.
He also called for clearer guidelines on provisions allowing foreigners to obtain citizenship based on “enormous contributions” to the country, arguing that the term required precise legal definition.
“I would want the word ‘enormous’ defined maybe in a tabulated manner. If you own assets, what kind of assets are they? What is that ‘enormous’ contribution to the nation that we are talking about?” he said.
Tanna further proposed adopting more structured immigration standards similar to systems used in countries such as Australia and Canada.
Despite supporting dual citizenship, he backed restrictions barring dual nationals from holding sensitive public offices, citing concerns over loyalty and national interest.
“I strongly support the inclusion of the Fifth Schedule. Their loyalties would not be there. Even America does not accept it, so why would we be the first to accept somebody who holds dual citizenship to hold those offices?” he said during the 2009 debate.
He also argued that the restrictions should extend to positions such as Members of Parliament, the Chief Justice, and other senior offices.
Under the Uganda Citizenship and Immigration Control (Amendment) Act, 2009, dual citizenship is permitted, but holders of dual nationality are barred from occupying several offices listed under the Fifth Schedule.
The restricted positions include President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and Ministers of State.
The debate resurfaced last week after lawyer and Democratic Front Deputy Secretary General Deric Fredric Namakajo petitioned Parliament, questioning whether appointing dual citizens to ministerial positions is consistent with existing constitutional and statutory provisions.
The petition, copied to President Museveni and Security Minister Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, argues that the law expressly prohibits dual citizens from serving in ministerial offices.
“The law expressly bars any dual citizen from serving as Cabinet Minister, Minister of State, or any ministerial office whatsoever,” the petition states.
Tanna served as Member of Parliament for Tororo Municipality from 2006 to 2016, winning consecutive elections in 2006 and 2011 before losing the seat to Apollo Yeri Ofwono in 2016.
His son, Shyam Jay Tanna, later reclaimed the constituency seat in the January general elections.
As Parliament continues vetting President Museveni’s ministerial nominees, Tanna’s clarification on his citizenship status is expected to remain central to the broader national debate on dual citizenship and eligibility for public office.
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