Parliament’s Appointments Committee has approved Juma Witonze Kisekka for appointment as Minister of State for Internal Affairs, bringing him closer to joining government after a successful vetting process.
Kisekka was vetted and endorsed by the committee on Thursday, just days after President Yoweri Museveni nominated him for the position. The committee, chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, included Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and legislators from across the political divide.
Following the approval, the committee’s report will be submitted to President Museveni as required by parliamentary procedure, paving the way for Kisekka’s official appointment and swearing-in.
His nomination follows the rejection of Dr Lawrence Muganga, who had initially been proposed for the same position but was blocked by the committee over questions surrounding his citizenship status.
The decision was reached during Parliament’s review of ministerial nominees’ constitutional eligibility, particularly regarding dual citizenship. Although Ugandan law allows dual citizenship under certain conditions, the Constitution restricts individuals holding multiple citizenships from occupying some constitutional offices, including ministerial positions, unless they have formally renounced their foreign citizenship.
Muganga was the only nominee replaced during the process.
Other nominees, including David Calvin Echodu for Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs), Ambassador Adonia Ayebare for the Foreign Affairs docket, and Shartsi Kutesa Musherure for Minister of State for Microfinance, reportedly resolved similar citizenship concerns by renouncing their foreign citizenship.
Legislators Praise Kisekka’s Credentials
A source familiar with the closed-door proceedings said Kisekka impressed members of the committee with his professional background and understanding of public affairs.
“He performed very well before the committee and was recommended for appointment. The committee was satisfied with his credentials and experience,” the source said.
Kisekka’s approval fills a key vacancy in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, one of government’s most sensitive institutions responsible for issues touching on security, citizenship and public administration.
The ministry supervises the Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, and the National Identification and Registration Authority.
It also manages refugee affairs, immigration systems, citizenship services and national identification programmes.
From Diplomacy to Government Service
Kisekka joins government with a background that combines business leadership, diplomacy and political mobilisation.
A native of Mirambi Village in Kifampa Sub-county, Gomba District, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Community-Based Rehabilitation from Kyambogo University, a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies from Makerere University, and a Master’s degree in Global Political Economy from Durham University in the United Kingdom.
He is the Chief Executive Officer of Adrois Group, an investment advisory company, and previously served as Uganda’s Special Envoy to Bahrain on trade and investment, where he supported efforts to strengthen economic relations between the two countries.
Politically, Kisekka serves as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairperson for Gomba District and coordinates activities of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) in the Greater Mpigi region.
He has previously sought election to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and expressed interest in parliamentary representation.
Beyond politics, Kisekka has been involved in community initiatives in Gomba, supporting youth empowerment projects, charity programmes and assistance to vulnerable communities.
If formally appointed, Kisekka will deputise Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu at the Ministry of Internal Affairs as government moves to strengthen delivery of services including immigration, national identification, citizenship documentation and internal security management.
