Written By | BK Mugizi
Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni
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Bushenyi
The Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Johnson Twinomujuni, has called for prudence, balance, and wider consultation as Uganda debates the proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill.
In a statement addressed to leaders and citizens, Bishop Twinomujuni said while the intention to safeguard Uganda's independence and dignity is commendable, the country must ensure that laws enacted in the name of sovereignty do not unintentionally undermine justice, transparency, economic stability, and legitimate community work.
"As our nation reflects on the proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill, we give thanks for the shared desire to safeguard our independence and uphold the dignity of our country. This is a worthy and necessary calling," the bishop stated.
However, he cautioned that good intentions should always be guided by wisdom and fairness.
"Laws meant to protect should also preserve the space for truth, service, and responsible participation in national life by citizens, faith communities, and all who contribute to the common good and development of our nation," he added.
The bishop emphasized the need for a balanced legal framework that promotes transparency and accountability in governance without imposing what he described as unnecessary restrictions on legitimate activities in ministry, charity work, education, and community development.
According to Twinomujuni, any law concerning national sovereignty should have clear definitions, fair implementation mechanisms, and should rely more on openness and accountability rather than excessive control.
"Such a law should ensure appropriate and proportionate measures that build trust rather than fear," he noted.
The bishop further warned that Uganda risks placing itself in a difficult position if measures intended to secure the country's independence eventually create conditions that weaken economic and social stability.
"It is possible, as a nation, to put ourselves in a Catch-22 situation, when measures designed to secure the state's independence end up creating conditions that could fundamentally undermine its economic and social stability," he said.
Twinomujuni also questioned the practical meaning of sovereignty for a country that still heavily relies on foreign capital, remittances, and external borrowing.
"Before signing such a bill, wisdom should guide a nation like ours, whose foreign capital, remittances, and debt are in billions of dollars. What sovereignty do we qualify for in that state?" he asked.
Quoting Proverbs 27:12, the bishop urged leaders to exercise foresight and prudence in decision-making.
"As Scripture warns, let us be prudent and use foresight in order to avoid getting into danger," he said.
He called upon Ugandans to pray for national leaders and seek policies that promote peace, stability, growth, and unity.
"Let us pray for our leaders and our nation, that we may be guided in truth, and so promote what will cause stability, peace, and growth. Let us give a second and more thorough thought to this Bill," Twinomujuni appealed.
The proposed Protection of Sovereignty Bill has recently generated widespread public debate across the country. Supporters argue that the legislation is necessary to protect Uganda from undue foreign interference and strengthen national independence.
However, critics and various stakeholders, including religious leaders, civil society actors, and development partners, fear that some provisions could limit civic space and affect legitimate activities carried out by non-governmental organisations, churches, charities, and educational institutions.
Bishop Twinomujuni said the country must carefully weigh both the intended benefits and possible long-term consequences of the Bill before it becomes law.
Torch Media Africa
