DP at Heart, a pressure group within the opposition Democratic Party(DP) has criticized the proposed Sovereignty Bill, warning that it could undermine civil liberties and duplicate existing legal frameworks.
Speaking during a press briefing in Masindi over the weekend, the group expressed concern over what it described as silence from the party’s top leadership on the matter.
“We are further disturbed by the silence of DP leadership on the obnoxious Sovereignty Bill that was tabled before Parliament,” the group said.
They argued that the bill had likely been discussed at Cabinet level prior to being tabled, raising questions about the position of DP President Norbert Mao, who also serves in government.
“We believe this Bill was exhaustively discussed in Cabinet where the controversial DP President sits,” they added.
The faction maintained that the proposed law is unnecessary, citing the existence of similar provisions in current legislation.
“We want to inform Ugandans that this Bill has not come in good faith because most of the clauses proposed are in existing laws,” DP at Heart said, referencing frameworks such as anti-money laundering laws, NGO regulations, and political party legislation.
Particular concern was raised over provisions that could classify Ugandans living abroad as foreigners.
“The law suggesting that Ugandans abroad will be treated as foreigners is totally disappointing,” the group said, adding that such measures could affect remittances and financial transactions.
They further warned about increased state control over economic activity.
“In this law, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will approve every business as belonging to an Ugandan or to a foreigner,” the group stated.
DP at Heart argued that the Bill contradicts the founding principles of the Democratic Party.
“DP was formed to fight for social justice and rule of law,” they said, adding that the proposed legislation represents a departure from those values.
Calling for public engagement, the group urged citizens to take an interest in the Bill.
The briefing also touched on broader governance issues, including the impact of trade regulations on small-scale traders and the need for improved infrastructure.
The group pointed to Masindi as an example, noting that despite its size, it lacks a modern market.
“We find these policies improperly implemented without adequate solutions,” they said, urging government to expedite the construction of a modern market.
They also commended Members of Parliament for opposing the removal of roadside sugarcane weighbridges.
“These weighbridges had created a fair trade environment for sugarcane growers.”
The DP at Heart faction reaffirmed its intention to continue consultations with party stakeholders nationwide.
“These engagements are very important to us because they shape our direction and next course of action.”