Businessman Nyanzi Raises Alarm Over Public Ignorance of National Sovereignty Bill

KAMPALA — As debate on Uganda’s proposed National Sovereignty Bill gathers pace, concerns are mounting over low levels of public awareness, with some observers warning that many citizens remain disconnected from a process that could significantly impact their lives.

The bill, currently under consideration by the Parliament of Uganda and tabled by State Minister for Internal Affairs David Muhoozi, seeks to regulate foreign influence and reinforce Uganda’s control over its internal affairs.

However, businessman Nyanzi Martin Luther says the biggest concern may not be the contents of the bill itself, but the lack of public knowledge about it.

Speaking after a visit to Parliament, Luther recounted how he engaged several Ugandans and discovered that many had no information about the proposed legislation.

“I moved around and asked people about the National Sovereignty Bill, and honestly, most of them told me they don’t know it,” he said. “This is dangerous because once it becomes law, those same people will be the first to make mistakes and claim they were never informed.”

He added that the situation reflects a broader pattern of public disengagement from national affairs, even as critical decisions are being made at the highest levels.

“Right now, Parliament is passing a national budget and debating important laws, but many Ugandans are not paying attention,” he said. “Some are just going on with their daily lives—sleeping, eating—without realizing how these decisions will affect them.”

Luther warned that such detachment could have consequences, particularly if the law introduces strict regulations that require compliance from ordinary citizens, organizations, and businesses.

Mixed Reactions From Stakeholders

Government officials have defended the bill, saying it is aimed at protecting Uganda’s sovereignty from undue foreign interference. A source from the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs noted that the proposed legislation is intended to ensure that national interests remain a priority.

Supporters, including veteran politician Yusuf Nsibambi, argue that the bill provides a necessary legal framework.

“It is important that Uganda sets clear boundaries to protect its sovereignty while ensuring accountability among all actors,” he said.

However, critics continue to raise red flags. Political analyst Charles Onyango-Obbo has questioned the bill’s structure, warning that it may contain significant flaws if not revised.

Civil society groups such as Chapter Four Uganda have also expressed concern about potential restrictions on civic freedoms.

“There must be clarity and wide consultation to avoid creating laws that could be misused,” a representative said.

Meanwhile, governance watchdog Alliance for Finance Monitoring has called for urgent public sensitization.

“A law of this nature requires citizens to fully understand it. Otherwise, enforcement becomes problematic,” an analyst noted.

Former minister Miria Matembe has further warned that the bill could have unintended social consequences, especially for families that rely on foreign support.

Growing Call for Civic Awareness

Across Kampala and beyond, reactions remain mixed, with some citizens supporting efforts to assert national control, while others admit they are only hearing about the bill for the first time.

As deliberations continue in the Parliament of Uganda, the National Sovereignty Bill is increasingly being seen not only as a legal instrument, but also as a reflection of the gap between policy-making and public awareness.

For now, voices like Luther’s are amplifying a central concern: that without greater civic engagement, many Ugandans may only come to understand the law after it has already taken effect.