Uganda’s Immigration Leadership Changes Spark Debate
Recent leadership transitions within Uganda’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) have ignited discussion regarding administrative routine versus potential political and security influences. The changes, presided over by Lt. Gen. Joseph Musanyufu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, took place on March 5, 2026, and involve interim appointments following the handover from outgoing officials.
Key Leadership Changes
Maj. Gen. Apollo Kasiita-Gowa has been replaced by Col. Geoffrey Kambere, who is serving in an acting capacity as Chief of Citizenship and Immigration Control. Brig. Johnson Namanya handed over his role as Commissioner for Citizenship and Passports Management to Assistant Commissioner Murari Moses. Assistant Commissioner Marcelino Bwesigye now leads as Acting Commissioner for Borders and Foreign Nationals Management. Ministry of Internal Affairs
A Legacy of Reform
The outgoing leadership is credited with modernizing Uganda’s immigration system. Reforms implemented over the past few years streamlined passport applications and visa processing, reducing wait times and improving service delivery. Public feedback on social media platforms largely praised these improvements, particularly the clearer online systems and reduced queues.
Concerns and Allegations
Despite the positive reception of past reforms, concerns have emerged regarding the motives behind the changes. Some critics allege a link to security concerns surrounding the issuance of passports and national identification documents to individuals of Rwandan descent, a sensitive issue given the complex political and security relationship between Uganda and Rwanda.
These concerns were amplified by remarks made in February 2026 by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, regarding his intention to address perceived frustrations faced by Ugandan-Banyarwanda in accessing national identification documents. Joseph Musanyufu
Government Response
Officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs have dismissed these claims, asserting that the transitions are part of routine administrative procedures. They emphasize that several of the outgoing officers had completed their tours of duty after serving at the directorate since 2018. The ministry acknowledges the outgoing team’s role in introducing digital platforms and improving efficiency in passport issuance and border management.
Regional Context and Future Outlook
These leadership changes occur within a sensitive regional environment. While diplomatic relations between Uganda and Rwanda have improved, underlying tensions remain due to past disputes involving border closures, security accusations, and deportation claims. Maintaining professionalism and transparency within immigration institutions is considered crucial for safeguarding public confidence and ensuring equal treatment for all citizens.
Human rights advocates and governance analysts have called for clear communication from the government regarding the reasons for the leadership changes, emphasizing the importance of transparency in reinforcing trust in public institutions.
As the new interim leadership settles in, attention will focus on whether the recent reforms will continue and whether the directorate will maintain its progress in improving service delivery to Ugandans. The handover marks a new chapter for Uganda’s immigration leadership, one that will be closely monitored by both the public and regional observers as the country balances national security interests with administrative independence.