The President of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Patrick Oboi Amuriat has called for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, citing widespread public opposition and concerns over its implications on fundamental rights.
While addressing Journalists at the Party Offices in Kampala on Monday, Amuriat revealed that FDC recently presented its position before Parliament’s joint committees on Defence and Internal Affairs, and Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, where the party strongly opposed the Bill.
He noted that a significant number of Ugandans who appeared before the committees shared similar concerns, with the majority rejecting the proposed legislation.
The FDC leader pointed to remarks by Yoweri Museveni, who reportedly distanced himself from the Bill currently before Parliament, stating it is not the version he initiated. Amuriat questioned how such a discrepancy could arise, raising concerns about accountability within government institutions, including the Attorney General’s office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
He argued that the President’s public disowning of the Bill signals a lack of confidence in those responsible for drafting and presenting it, and called for those involved to be held accountable.
He further criticized the manner in which the President communicated his position, emphasizing that any guidance on legislation should follow formal parliamentary procedures rather than informal channels.
Amuriat described the developments as a demonstration of the power of collective citizen action, noting that civil society groups, religious and cultural leaders, legal experts, opposition parties, and ordinary citizens united in opposing the Bill.
He said the government’s apparent retreat highlights the impact of a unified public voice.
He urged Parliament to heed the concerns of Ugandans and reject any legislation that undermines constitutional freedoms, including freedom of speech, association, and political participation.
Amuriat stressed that Parliament’s role is to safeguard democracy and promote national progress, not to enact laws that could be used to suppress citizens.
While reports indicate that committee stages may have favored the Bill, Amuriat called on all Members of Parliament to reject it at the final stage, warning against passing any version that threatens the rights and liberties of Ugandans.
