Museveni Clears Path for Ayebare, Musherure Swearing-In After Citizenship Renunciation

KAMPALA – President Yoweri Museveni has directed officials to begin preparations for the swearing-in of Foreign Affairs Minister-designate Amb. Adonia Ayebare and State Minister-designate for Microfinance Shartsi Kutesa Musherure after the pair formally completed the renunciation of their United States citizenship, according to reports.

The development clears one of the final legal hurdles that had delayed the two nominees from taking office following their appointment to Cabinet earlier this year. Under Uganda’s Constitution, ministers are required to owe allegiance solely to Uganda, making the completion of foreign citizenship renunciation a prerequisite before assuming office.

Ayebare and Musherure were among four ministerial nominees whose swearing-in was postponed in June after concerns emerged over their dual citizenship status. At the time, government lawyers advised that the officials first complete the legal process of renouncing their foreign citizenship before taking the oath of office.

Hon. Shartsi Musherure

Their impending swearing-in is expected to strengthen President Museveni’s Cabinet, with Ayebare set to formally assume leadership of Uganda’s foreign affairs docket at a time when the country is deepening regional and international engagement. Musherure is expected to take charge of the Microfinance portfolio, a key ministry in the government’s wealth creation agenda.

The move also signals the resolution of a constitutional issue that had attracted public and political attention following the vetting of Cabinet nominees by Parliament’s Appointments Committee.

State House is expected to announce the official date for the swearing-in ceremony in the coming days, paving the way for the two ministers to formally begin executing their duties after months of waiting for the completion of the citizenship renunciation process.