Politics 24 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
True Sovereignty Lies with Uganda's People, Not Rulers Pushing Controversial Bill
Uganda's 1995 Constitution declares that power belongs to the people, yet critics argue current leaders undermine this by advancing the 'Sovereignty Bill,' a proposed law threatening citizens' rights, including those of Ugandans abroad sending remittances. The bill, before a compliant Parliament, reflects rulers' paranoia and risks repressive governance. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/sovereignty-resides-with-the-people-5435654
Sovereignty means ultimate authority over a nation’s territory and people, free from external control. In monarchies, it rests with kings or chiefs, but in democracies like Uganda, it belongs to the citizens who delegate power to representatives.
The 1995 Constitution opens by stating ‘Power belongs to the people.’ However, since 1986, leaders claim to govern by popular mandate, positioning the public as principals and officials as agents acting in their interest.
A heated debate surrounds the proposed ‘Sovereignty Bill’ in Parliament, nearing the end of its term. Critics decry it as draconian, initiated without public input and aimed at consolidating ruler power rather than serving citizens.
Legal experts have highlighted its flaws, including labeling Ugandans abroad as ‘foreigners’ despite their vital remittances supporting families and the economy. A Kampala resident holds equal citizenship to one in Kigali; criminalizing fund transfers to political groups lacks justification.
Parliamentarians, often subservient to the Executive and President, seem likely to approve this regressive measure, adding to Uganda’s repressive laws amid rulers’ fears of dissent.
Such legislation underscores a pattern of paranoia, using repression to stifle opposition, though sustaining it proves challenging.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)