President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has clarified the intent of the proposed Sovereignty Bill, emphasizing that it is strictly aimed at protecting Uganda’s independence in policy decision-making and does not target economic freedoms, private enterprise, or financial flows.

In his statement, the President reaffirmed Uganda’s long-standing commitment to a free and open economy, stressing that the country continues to support legitimate financial transactions, investments, and remittances without restriction. He made it clear that no policy prohibits individuals or investors from sending or receiving money earned legally anywhere in the world, stating, “None of our policies says: do not send to Uganda or take out of Uganda money you have earned legally anywhere in the world.”

“There is no policy of the NRM that stops remittances from Ugandans working abroad; Ugandans are free to send and receive money earned legally anywhere in the world.” President Museveni said. 

The clarification comes amid ongoing public discussion about the proposed Sovereignty Bill, with some stakeholders seeking clarity on its scope, particularly regarding foreign funding, civic activity, and potential implications for the broader economy. The proposal has drawn mixed interpretations since it was first discussed. The President’s remarks address these concerns by outlining the intended focus of the legislation.

Museveni underscored that Uganda operates a liberal economic system where foreign exchange is freely traded through privately run forex bureaus, noting, “We run a free economy. Forex is bought and sold in privately run Forex bureaus.” He described this openness as a central pillar of the country’s economic strength, adding, “This is the strength of the Ugandan economy. The freedom of the private sector compensates for the obstructions of corrupt or non-patriotic public servants.”

Addressing concerns surrounding the Sovereignty Bill, the President explained that its purpose is rooted in safeguarding Uganda’s ability to independently determine its political, social, economic, and diplomatic direction. He stated, “Sovereignty means: ‘Please, muteleke (leave us alone), so that we make our own decisions.’” and emphasized, “The Bill I initiated was about what we fought for, sovereignty in policy decision-making.”

The President placed the Sovereignty Bill within the broader context of Africa’s historical struggle for independence, saying it is intended to protect national policy-making from external interference. He stressed that sovereignty is exercised through Uganda’s constitutional framework, including elections and referenda, and is meant to safeguard independent decision-making rather than restrict economic activity.

He cautioned against foreign influence, particularly through funding directed at local groups with the intention of shaping national policy or direction, warning, “Do not fund groups to influence our decisions as a country.”

According to Museveni, Uganda’s sovereignty is exercised through constitutional and democratic processes, including elections and referenda. Reflecting on Africa’s historical struggle for independence, he noted that sovereignty includes the right for nations to make their own choices and learn from them, stating, “Independence means the right to make our own mistakes if necessary and learn from them.”

To address any misunderstandings, Museveni assured stakeholders that the Sovereignty Bill will be refined to ensure clarity and prevent overreach. He reiterated that the legislation will focus solely on protecting policy decision-making and will not interfere with private sector operations, financial transactions, or legitimate economic activity, emphasizing, “The Bill will concentrate on the sovereignty of policy decision-making and not meander into areas of private enterprise or money transfers.”

Reinforcing Uganda’s economic stance, he added, “We run a free economy, and none of our policies stops Ugandans or investors from sending or receiving money earned legally anywhere in the world. This openness is the strength of our economy and a key driver of our growth.”

Clarifying further, the President stated, “The Sovereignty Bill I initiated is not about restricting investment, remittances, or private enterprise; it is about protecting Uganda’s independence in making its own policy decisions.” He added, “Sovereignty means that Ugandans must be free to determine their political, social, economic, and diplomatic direction without interference from external actors.”

He reaffirmed that, “The Bill will focus strictly on safeguarding policy sovereignty and will not interfere with private sector operations, financial flows, or legitimate economic activity.”

In his remarks, the President encouraged influence through positive example rather than coercion, stating, “Let your light so shine before men… influence people by example and not by coercion or manipulation.”