Forum for Democratic Change President Patrick Oboi Amuriat has condemned the forceful eviction of street vendors and rejected the Protection of the Sovereignty Bill, 2026.
Speaking at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Amuriat described the NRM government as “recklessness dressed in the language of order,” accusing it of ignoring the human cost of its policies.
He criticised Kampala Capital City Authority and the central government over what he termed a heartless eviction of vendors, noting that authorities had previously allowed structures to be built and even collected revenue before demolishing them. “This is not governance.
It is a dangerous pattern: implement first, consult later, apologize never,” Amuriat said.“You cannot chase away street vendors without first having a credible, dignified plan for where they will go.” He said the evictions have left many vendors counting losses, with property destroyed and livelihoods disrupted.
Amuriat demanded full accountability for property destroyed, immediate compensation for affected vendors, and a transparent consultative process before enforcing any new trade order.He also asked KCCA to explain why it collected revenue from vendors who were later evicted, urging Ugandans to remember these actions during the next election.
Turning to the Protection of the Sovereignty Bill, 2026, Amuriat declared the FDC’s total rejection of the proposed law, arguing that it is designed to silence dissent rather than protect national interests. He warned that the bill could classify over 1.5 million Ugandans living abroad as foreigners, potentially affecting remittances and family support systems.
The party also raised concerns about provisions that could criminalise journalism, citing Clause 13, which they say could see journalists jailed for up to 20 years for publishing information deemed harmful to the economy.
Amuriat dismissed government claims that the bill addresses legal gaps, arguing that existing laws such as the Anti-Money Laundering Act, the NGO Act, and the Anti-Terrorism Act already provide sufficient safeguards. “The bill creates no new value.
Its value is zero,” he said.He further criticised what he called government hypocrisy, noting that while the state seeks to restrict foreign funding to citizens, the national budget heavily relies on donor support. Amuriat called on professionals, civil society, and the media to unite against the bill.
“Do not say they came for the politician, and you kept quiet because you are not a politician,” he warned. “The day they come for you, there will be nobody to speak for you.”
Although the government recently suspended street vendor evictions following public outcry, the Sovereignty Bill remains under review by parliamentary committees on defence and legal affairs. The FDC maintains that the proposed law violates Articles 15, 21, and 29 of the 1995 Constitution and has vowed to challenge it at all levels. URN