Former Kampala Lord Mayor and lawyer Erias Lukwago has strongly criticised the proposed Sovereignty Bill, describing it as “the most ridiculous piece of legislation” during a Thursday night interview on NBS Television where he assessed its legal and constitutional implications.
His comments add to ongoing debate over the bill, which seeks to define and protect Uganda’s sovereignty amid concerns over foreign influence.
Lukwago argued that the draft law conflicts with the Constitution, which he said clearly places sovereignty in the hands of the people, not the state.
“With all due respect, the Sovereignty Bill is the most ridiculous piece of legislation,” he said.
He added that the Constitution already settles the question of sovereignty. “This legislation goes to the onus of the constitution, which speaks to the sovereignty of citizens.
This Bill is talking about the sovereignty of Uganda, not the sovereignty of the people. The constitution talks about the sovereignty of the people,” he stated.
Lukwago also questioned the need for the bill, noting that Uganda already has several laws that address national security and stability.
“When you talk about the protection of Uganda's stability, there are many laws that cater to that,” he said, suggesting that introducing a new law could be unnecessary.
A major concern he raised was what he termed as the vagueness of the bill, particularly in defining what constitutes foreign influence or foreign interest.
“This legislation is vague in an attempt to disguise the spirit of the law. You cannot tell what a foreign interest is,” Lukwago said.
His remarks come at a time when the bill is still under consideration, with legal experts and political actors divided over its intent and potential impact.
Supporters argue it is aimed at protecting national interests, while critics say it could be used to restrict political and civic engagement under unclear definitions.
Legal analysts have also pointed out that while governments have the right to protect national stability, laws must be precise to avoid misinterpretation and possible misuse.
The Sovereignty Bill has yet to reach full parliamentary debate, but it has already sparked discussion among lawmakers, civil society groups, and constitutional lawyers.
Lukwago’s intervention adds pressure on legislators to clarify the bill’s language and ensure it aligns with constitutional principles before it can proceed further.