Lawyer Charles Ouma has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding the Sovereignty Bill, framing it as a global governance issue rather than a purely domestic policy matter.
Speaking during an interview on NBS Television on Thursday night, Ouma argued that concerns over foreign interference in national decision-making are not unique to Uganda and have historical and contemporary relevance across many countries.
His remarks come at a time when the proposed legislation has sparked widespread public discussion, with critics and supporters offering sharply divided views on its implications for governance, political funding, and external influence.
Ouma anchored part of his argument in historical reference, citing former United States President George Washington as an early voice of caution on foreign involvement in domestic affairs.
“Just before George Washington left power, he told the Americans to be aware of foreign interests that wanted to control the issues of America. He warned them to be careful of foreign interference,” Ouma said during the televised interview.
He used the reference to Washington to underscore what he described as a long-standing global concern over sovereignty and external influence, suggesting that modern states continue to grapple with similar challenges in different forms.
According to Ouma, the Sovereignty Bill should be understood within a broader geopolitical and policy framework rather than being treated as an isolated legislative initiative.
He noted that many countries have adopted similar legal frameworks aimed at regulating external involvement in domestic political and economic systems.
“This Sovereignty Bill is a geopolitical and policy question. It's a very sensitive matter. It's not only akin to Uganda. It's all over the world. A plethora of nations have come up with similar laws,” he stated.
Ouma further emphasized that the public discourse surrounding the bill is itself a positive development, arguing that open engagement allows citizens and stakeholders to better understand its purpose and implications.
“I appreciate that society has been given an opportunity to discuss the Sovereignty Bill,” he said, adding that such national conversations are essential in shaping informed democratic processes.
At the core of his argument, Ouma maintained that the legislation is intended to safeguard national autonomy and protect citizens from undue external influence in domestic affairs.
He framed sovereignty as a collective public interest issue rather than a narrowly political or governmental concern.
“This bill is protecting the sovereignty of you and me,” he concluded.
The Sovereignty Bill continues to attract attention from legal experts, political commentators, and civil society actors, with ongoing debates focusing on its scope, enforcement mechanisms, and potential impact on governance and international relations.