Residents, political leaders and civil society actors in greater Bushenyi have strongly opposed the proposed protection of sovereignty bill, warning that it could restrict diaspora remittances, foreign funding for development programmes and civic activity, while calling on Parliament to reject it and investigate its sponsors.
Leaders, residents and civil society actors in the greater Bushenyi region have rejected the proposed protection of sovereignty bill, describing it as politically motivated and calling for its withdrawal, while urging members of parliament not to pass it into law.
The stand was made during a regional stakeholders’ meeting held in Bushenyi District on Thursday, where participants argued that the bill would undermine financial independence for Ugandans both in the country and in the diaspora, and could disrupt existing foreign funding channels supporting development programmes.
Civil society representatives and opinion leaders accused the proposal of being driven by political interests rather than national priorities.
“This bill is evil and unjust,” said Kakonge Appolo Lee, executive director of the Western Ankole Civil Society Forum.
“This bill is bad and we must reject it. I pray that our MPs gain senses to not only dump it but also burn and bury it.”
Some participants went further, calling for legal action against those behind the proposal.
“No sensible person can seek to introduce this bill. Why now? Why the rush? Who is threatening our sovereignty 64 years ago since we got independence? This bill should have been trashed like yesterday and the architects be immediately arrested and charged with treason,” said Dr Innocent Muramuzi, an opinion leader in Bushenyi.
Others argued that the bill appeared designed to limit foreign funding for opposition political parties and civil society organisations.
“We all know this bill is politically orchestrated entirely to frustrate funding for opposition political parties and civil society organizations in activism,” said Carol Namara, a political analyst in Bushenyi District.
“If government wanted a single political party (NRM), why did it declare a multiparty system in this country?”
Legal concerns were also raised about the potential impact on diaspora remittances and the wider economy.
Lawyer Oine Kenneth, who explained sections of the bill to the gathering, warned that it could have far-reaching economic consequences.
“Thousands of our Ugandans are working abroad and majority of them send money here which supports our economy so do they want to cut off this inlet?” he said, adding that the bill would only serve a small group with political interests while restricting ordinary Ugandans’ financial flows.
Participants also warned that if enacted, the bill could affect service delivery in sectors reliant on foreign donor support, including health and education. Guma Gumisiriza, a senior resident, questioned the consistency of government policy on foreign funding and borrowing.
“What surprises me is that the same government that is bringing up this bad bill is the same government that runs into foreign countries to borrow money so will they also stop? Then what does this mean to service delivery since we all know that our health sector has been depending on foreign donations,” he said.
The meeting concluded with stakeholders agreeing to draft a memorandum to be submitted to parliament, outlining their concerns and urging legislators to reject the proposed law. Participants also appealed to MPs to withstand pressure and avoid passing the bill.