CONFIRMED: Echodu Cleared as Foreign Affairs Minister, Dual Citizenship Critics Silenced

Doubts and speculation surrounding the ministerial appointment of Soroti City West Member of Parliament David Calvin Echodu were decisively put to rest on Tuesday after Parliament’s Appointments Committee vetted and approved him for the position of State Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Echodu, who was recently appointed by President Yoweri Museveni, appeared before the committee chaired by Speaker Jacob Oboth Oboth and sailed through the vetting process, effectively ending weeks of debate and public criticism regarding his previous United States citizenship status.

The successful vetting is being viewed by many political observers as a major setback for critics who had repeatedly questioned his eligibility to serve in Cabinet, arguing that his dual citizenship could stand in the way of his appointment.

However, members of the Appointments Committee made it clear that Echodu had fulfilled all legal requirements concerning the renunciation of his American citizenship, clearing the path for his confirmation.

The turning point during the proceedings came when Kanyumu County MP Simon Peter Opolot Kwalinga moved a motion urging the committee to approve Echodu’s appointment. Opolot argued that the minister-designate had presented all the necessary documentation demonstrating that he had already initiated and completed the legally required process of renouncing his foreign citizenship.

“Mr. Chairman, Hon. Calvin Echodu has presented all the required documents before this committee. We can evidently confirm that he complied with the legal requirements and has demonstrated his commitment to serving Uganda. There is therefore no basis for blocking his appointment,” Opolot submitted.

His motion received strong backing from Serere District Woman MP Esther Lucy Acom, who seconded the proposal and reminded committee members that Ugandan law is clear on the matter.

Acom noted that once an individual has fulfilled the legal process of renouncing foreign citizenship, there remains no constitutional obstacle preventing them from holding public office. She urged members to evaluate Echodu based on the law and facts before them rather than political narratives that had been circulating outside the committee.

The support from both legislators proved instrumental in reinforcing the legal position that ultimately guided the committee’s decision.

Speaker Jacob Oboth Oboth subsequently pronounced Echodu successfully vetted and approved for appointment as State Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The development marks a significant political victory for Echodu, who has in recent months faced sustained scrutiny from sections of the political class and social media commentators seeking to cast doubt on his suitability for the position.

With the committee’s approval now secured, the debate surrounding his eligibility appears effectively settled, allowing him to focus on his new responsibilities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Speaking shortly after the confirmation, a visibly relieved Echodu thanked God and members of the committee for the confidence they had placed in him.

“I thank God Almighty and the members of the vetting committee for trusting me. I will serve Uganda diligently and to the best of my ability,” he said.

His confirmation is expected to strengthen Uganda’s diplomatic team at a time when the country is seeking to deepen regional cooperation, expand international partnerships, and advance its foreign policy priorities.

For his supporters, Tuesday’s decision was more than just a successful vetting exercise; it was a clear affirmation that legal facts, not speculation, should determine eligibility for public office. For those who had predicted that Echodu’s appointment would collapse under scrutiny, the committee’s verdict delivered a definitive answer.

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