Ex-Deputy AG Rukutana Urges Government to Scrap Sovereignty Bill

Former Deputy Attorney General Mwesigwa Rukutana, who also served as State Minister for Finance and Labour under the NRM government, has urged the withdrawal of the controversial Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2026. The bill, tabled by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, is under review by parliamentary committees on defence, internal affairs, and legal matters.

Rukutana argues that the legislation, which imposes strict controls on foreign funding including ministerial approvals and hefty fines up to Shs 4 billion, threatens Uganda’s progress. He warns it could reverse economic liberalization that lifted the country from Highly Indebted Poor Country status to middle-income levels.

Drawing from his experience, Rukutana recalled how Uganda depended heavily on World Bank, IMF, and donor approvals during economic vulnerability. Reforms like free capital flows, export growth, and inflation control built reserves, funded budgets domestically, and boosted growth.

“Why depart from a proven path?” he questioned, highlighting remittances from the diaspora—now over Shs 3 trillion annually—as a key economic pillar. Policies he championed grew these from $400 million to nearly $900 million during his tenure.

Echoing concerns from Bank of Uganda Governor Michael Atingi-Ego, financial stakeholders, civil society, and the Uganda Bankers Association, Rukutana says existing frameworks suffice for monitoring flows. He cited recent agency reintegrations like UNRA and REA as examples of policy shifts harming service delivery.

“Legislate for the people,” he emphasized, predicting the bill could become unenforceable if forced through against public will.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)