Former Intelligence Operative and political commentator Charles Rwomushana has questioned the recently passed Sovereignty Bill, describing it as a political distraction and legally weak despite its approval by Parliament on Tuesday night.
Speaking during an interview on NBS Television shortly after the vote, Rwomushana argued that recent political developments in Uganda were steering public attention away from what he termed as fundamental governance concerns.
“After the elections, we have witnessed many developments that have diverted Ugandans from asking the real questions, and more is yet to come,” he said.
His remarks came in response to the controversial legislation that has sparked debate among legal experts, opposition figures, and civil society actors.
The Sovereignty Bill, which has now been passed by Parliament, is expected to define and reinforce the country’s sovereign authority in specific governance and institutional matters.
However, Rwomushana dismissed the timing and intent of the legislation, questioning its constitutional grounding and political necessity.
“The Constitution grants Ugandans the right to sovereignty, how, then, can a Sovereignty Bill be introduced to curtail that right?” he posed during the live discussion.
He argued that sovereignty is already embedded in Uganda’s constitutional framework and does not require additional statutory reinforcement that could potentially limit or reinterpret existing rights.
Rwomushana further claimed that the passage of the Bill does not necessarily guarantee its durability in law, suggesting that it could face immediate legal challenges.
“The Sovereignty Bill has been passed, but it is effectively non-existent, and lawyers are confident they can dismantle it,” he added.
His comments reflect growing scrutiny from sections of Uganda’s legal fraternity and political observers who have raised concerns over the Bill’s implications on governance, civil liberties, and institutional checks and balances.
While supporters of the legislation have framed it as a move to strengthen national autonomy and protect state interests, critics argue that its provisions may open room for political manipulation and legal ambiguity.
Rwomushana, a former intelligence officer with the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) and a former State House political intelligence official, has remained a vocal commentator on Uganda’s political and security affairs.
He has in recent years positioned himself as an independent analyst, frequently weighing in on legislative and executive decisions.