By Caroline.N
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised Members of Parliament from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) for their decisive support in passing the Sovereignty Bill, describing it as a landmark step towards strengthening Uganda’s independence and long-term national interests.
Speaking shortly after the parliamentary vote, President Yoweri Museveni praised the NRM caucus for what he termed as “patriotic clarity” in safeguarding Uganda’s sovereignty against external influence and internal fragmentation. He noted that the passage of the Bill reflects a commitment by the ruling party to protect national decision-making authority in key sectors of governance, the economy, and security.
The Sovereignty Bill, which was debated extensively in Parliament before its eventual approval, seeks to reinforce Uganda’s autonomy in policy formulation, particularly in relation to international agreements, strategic resources, and constitutional governance frameworks. Supporters of the Bill argue that it is intended to ensure that national interests remain central in all bilateral and multilateral engagements.
President Museveni emphasised that Uganda’s historical journey has been shaped by the need to secure genuine independence, not only politically but also economically and socially. He said the NRM government remains committed to building strong institutions capable of resisting undue external pressure while promoting self-reliance and regional integration on equitable terms.
“The passing of this Bill demonstrates that our MPs understand the importance of safeguarding the sovereignty of Uganda,” Museveni said. “We cannot build a strong nation if we allow external forces to dictate our internal affairs. This is a step in the right direction.”
He further urged lawmakers to remain vigilant in defending national interests during future legislative processes, particularly on matters relating to natural resources, trade agreements, and security cooperation. The President also encouraged continued unity within the NRM caucus, noting that cohesion within the ruling party is critical for achieving long-term development goals.
However, the Bill has also sparked debate among sections of the opposition and civil society, who have raised concerns about its potential implications for democratic oversight and international cooperation. Critics argue that while sovereignty is important, it must be balanced with Uganda’s obligations under regional and global frameworks.
In response, government officials have maintained that the legislation does not isolate Uganda but rather seeks to ensure that partnerships are conducted on the basis of mutual respect and national benefit. They insist that Uganda will continue to engage constructively with development partners while safeguarding its constitutional independence.
Parliamentary sources indicated that the Bill passed with a comfortable majority following spirited debate on the floor of the House. NRM MPs were largely united in support, citing the need to strengthen national resilience in a rapidly changing global environment.