Politics 3 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kigezi Leaders Caution Sovereignty Bill Could Fuel Inequality and Limit Civic Freedoms
Stakeholders from Uganda's Kigezi region have raised alarms over the proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, warning it may foster inequality and restrict civic space without wider consultations. They call for revisions following President Museveni's recent review directive amid public backlash. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kigezi-stakeholders-warn-sovereignty-bill-risks-inequality-shrinking-civic-space-5445022
Leaders in Uganda’s Kigezi sub-region expressed deep concerns about the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026, stating it risks promoting inequality and narrowing civic engagement if enacted without broad input.
Robert Kakuru Byamugisha, head of Kick Corruption Out of Uganda, told journalists in Kabale that the bill fails to match its nationalistic goals. He pressed MPs, particularly from Kigezi, to consult stakeholders and amend it for fairness, or scrap it for more talks.
This comes after President Museveni suggested reviewing the bill last week, citing issues with private enterprise, money transfers, and church donations. Retired Health Ministry Commissioner Dr. Francis Runumi stressed balancing security with economic rights, noting laws must benefit everyone, including legislators.
Florence Tumuheirwe of Kigezi Women in Development highlighted risks to rural women and girls, linking it to Uganda’s CEDAW commitments. She warned that curbs on partnerships could harm self-help groups and climate programs, undermining gender progress.
Politically, UPC’s Rubanda chair Obed Habasa flagged potential bias against opposition, with clauses on foreign funding open to abuse, labeling critics as agents. Kabale University Guild President Justus Drake Kyarikunda noted threats to education via lost family incomes and reduced global academic ties.
Youth advocate Niwamanya Anxious backed sovereignty but opposed sacrificing youth initiatives, demanding inclusive discussions.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)