Museveni Clarifies Sovereignty Bill, Says It Won’t Block Remittances or Foreign Investment
KAMPALA – President Yoweri K. Museveni has moved to calm growing public concern over a proposed Sovereignty Bill, clarifying that the legislation he initiated in Cabinet will not restrict foreign direct investments, religious donations, or remittances from Ugandans working abroad.
In a lengthy address to “Fellow Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu,” the President acknowledged recent “orwaari” (noise) surrounding the bill, dismissing fears that it would interfere with the free movement of capital.
“That is not the Bill I initiated,” Museveni stated firmly.
Sovereignty in Policy, Not Private Transfers
The President explained that the bill aims to protect Uganda’s right to make independent policy decisions across political, social, economic, and diplomatic issues — not to disrupt private enterprise or personal money transfers.
“We run a free economy. Forex is bought and sold in privately run Forex Bureaus,” he noted, adding that the freedom of the private sector “compensates for the obstructions of corrupt or non-patriotic public servants.”
Museveni emphasized that Uganda’s economy has thrived precisely because of such freedoms, calling them “our insurance against corrupt public servants and political opportunists.”
A Century of Struggle for Sovereignty
Drawing on Africa’s anti-colonial history, Museveni recalled the continent’s long fight for self-determination, from Marcus Garvey and the ANC’s founding in 1912 to South Africa’s freedom in 1994.
Quoting Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, he said: “Independence means the right to make our own mistakes if necessary and learn from them.”
“Sovereignty means: ‘Please, muteleke (leave us alone), so that we make our own decisions,’” Museveni added. “Do not fund groups to influence our decisions as a country.”
Bill’s Focus and Next Steps
The President said he has instructed Hon. Hamson Obua and parliamentary committee chairpersons to ensure the bill concentrates on “the Sovereignty of policy-decision-making” and does not meander into areas of private transfers or church donations.
Addressing those who seek to influence others through coercion or manipulation, Museveni invoked scripture: “Go back to Jesus. He said, in the Book of Matthew chapter 5 verse 16 that let your light so shine before men, that they see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven. Influence people by example and not by coercion or manipulation.”
He concluded with the signature call: “Long live Africa.”
— Additional reporting
About The Author
