President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has responded to public concern surrounding the Protection of Sovereignty Bill, 2025, dismissing claims that the proposed law will interfere with foreign investment, remittances, or religious funding.
In a message addressed to Ugandans, the President questioned the basis of the ongoing debate, asking, “Which Sovereignty Bill is the rwaari about? The one I initiated in the Cabinet or another one?”
He said reports suggesting the bill would block Foreign Direct Investment or diaspora remittances are inaccurate. Museveni clarified that the legislation he initiated is focused on protecting Uganda’s independence in policy decision making.
“The Bill I initiated, was about what we fought for and what the whole of Africa fought for,” he said, linking the proposal to the continent’s historical struggle against colonial rule and external domination.
The President stressed that sovereignty, as envisioned in the bill, relates to Uganda’s right to determine its political, social, economic, and diplomatic direction without outside influence.
He cautioned against foreign actors attempting to shape national decisions through funding or other forms of pressure.
At the center of his clarification was a firm assurance that Uganda’s open economic system will remain intact.
“None of them says do not send to Uganda or take out of Uganda money you have earned legally anywhere in the World,” Museveni stated, reaffirming that remittances, investments, and private financial flows will not be restricted.
The bill has attracted attention in recent weeks, with sections of the public expressing concern about its potential implications for the economy and civic space.
Uganda’s economy relies significantly on private sector activity and diaspora remittances, making any perceived threat to financial flows a sensitive issue.
Museveni emphasized that these freedoms are fundamental to Uganda’s economic resilience, noting that the private sector has continued to drive growth despite challenges within public institutions.
He described the free movement of capital as a key pillar of the country’s transformation.
The President also revealed that he has engaged government officials, including Hamson Obua, to ensure that the bill remains focused on safeguarding policy decision making without extending into areas that could disrupt private enterprise or financial transfers.
Calling for a shift in how influence is exercised, Museveni urged both local and foreign actors to rely on example rather than pressure. “Influence People by example and not by coercion or manipulation,” he said.
As Parliament prepares to handle the bill, the President’s remarks are likely to shape the direction of debate, particularly around balancing national sovereignty with Uganda’s long standing commitment to an open and liberal economy.