Kampala — Governance activist Sarah Bireete has criticised major amendments to Uganda’s proposed Sovereignty Bill, arguing that the extent of the changes undermines the integrity of the legislative process.
Bireete said the bill in its current form differs substantially from the version initially tabled, and should ideally be withdrawn and reintroduced for fresh consideration.
“The amended bill has more than 50 percent change. Actually, the Sovereignty Bill should have been withdrawn — that would have been the right thing,” she said.
Her remarks come amid ongoing debate among policymakers, legal experts, and civil society groups over the bill, which has been framed as a tool to strengthen Uganda’s autonomy in policy and decision-making.
However, critics say the evolving content raises concerns about transparency and accountability in lawmaking.
Bireete emphasised that legislative best practice requires any bill undergoing significant alterations to be re-tabled to allow for renewed public participation and scrutiny.
“When you change a bill that extensively, it ceases to be the same proposal. It must go back through the process to ensure stakeholders fully understand and engage with it,” she argued.
Observers warn that unclear or heavily revised provisions could create uncertainty, particularly in areas affecting governance structures and private sector operations.
Her comments are expected to add pressure on Parliament to reconsider how the bill is being handled, as calls grow for stricter adherence to procedural standards.
With discussions still ongoing, the fate of the Sovereignty Bill remains uncertain, as lawmakers weigh its intended benefits against mounting concerns over its current form.