President Yoweri Museveni has named Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, stepping in temporarily as delays stall the swearing-in of the substantive minister.
In an instrument issued under Article 99(1) of the Constitution, the President directed Kasolo to oversee the ministry’s operations in the interim period.
The move follows a hold-up in the formal swearing-in of several newly appointed Cabinet and State Ministers under the recent reshuffle. Government insiders attribute the delay to citizenship verification issues affecting some nominees, with concerns raised over dual citizenship status — which disqualifies individuals from holding ministerial office under Uganda’s constitutional provisions.
Those reportedly affected include Adonia Ayebare, Lawrence Muganga, David Calvin Echodu, and Shartsi Kutesa Musherure. Their assumption of office has been put on hold pending confirmation of compliance with legal requirements governing public appointments. Officials further indicate that one nominee is currently indisposed, while others are awaiting clearance from State House.
Uganda’s constitutional framework requires all Cabinet and State Ministers to be solely Ugandan citizens, explicitly barring dual citizens from serving in such positions. The affected nominees are expected to complete any necessary legal processes before they can be sworn in.
According to government sources, Kasolo’s appointment is meant to ensure uninterrupted leadership and smooth running of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as administrative and legal matters surrounding the pending appointments are resolved.
Copies of the appointment instrument were distributed to the Vice President, Prime Minister, Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, and the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
