Sebei stakeholders reject Sovereignty Bill, call for wider consultations

KAPCHORWA, April 22, 2026 — Stakeholders from across the Sebei Sub-region have unanimously rejected the proposed Sovereignty Bill 2026, citing concerns over its implications for governance, public participation and accountability.

The resolution was reached during a high-level engagement held recently at Highland Guest House in Kapchorwa district.

The meeting, convened by the Kapchorwa Civil Society Organisation Alliance [KACSOA], brought together participants including Civil Society organisations [NGOs], opinion leaders and elders. The engagement aimed to scrutinise the draft bill and provide a platform for stakeholders to assess its potential impact before it is tabled in Parliament.

From the outset, participants expressed concern that the bill, if passed in its current form, could centralise excessive power and undermine democratic principles.

Many argued that the proposed legislation lacks adequate public consultation and fails to reflect the views of ordinary citizens, particularly those in rural communities.

Speaking during the opening session, KACSOA Project Officer Mark Cherop Cheriel emphasised the importance of inclusive dialogue in shaping national policies.

“This platform is intended to enable stakeholders to critically analyse the proposed Sovereignty Bill and understand its broader implications,” Cherop said. “As civil society, we have a responsibility to ensure that any legislation reflects the will and interests of citizens. From today’s discussions, it is evident that many people feel excluded from the process.”

Cherop added that the bill raises significant concerns regarding governance structures and citizen participation, urging lawmakers to return to the grassroots and conduct meaningful consultations before advancing it.

Participants echoed his sentiments, stressing that legislation of such magnitude should not be rushed. Several opinion leaders warned that passing the bill without adequate engagement could erode public trust in government institutions.

Charicha ABC Bosko, one of the key discussants, delivered a strong critique of the proposed bill, describing it as misaligned with the democratic aspirations of the people.

“The bill appears to concentrate authority at the expense of local governance systems, which have traditionally played a vital role in community development,” he said. “We must be careful not to pass laws that alienate the very people they are meant to serve. In its current form, the bill raises serious concerns about transparency and inclusiveness. Our leaders must return to the people and listen before making such critical decisions.”

Charicha also called on civil society organisations [CSOs] to intensify civic education efforts to ensure citizens understand the contents of the bill and its potential consequences. He noted that an informed population is better positioned to demand accountability and participate effectively in governance processes.

Festo Majinanch, Coordinator of the Sabiny Transformation Initiative, a CSO advocating for good governance, emphasised the need to preserve cultural values and traditional leadership structures. He warned that legislation that overlooks these aspects risks creating conflict and weakening community cohesion.

“We have systems that have guided us for generations,” Majinanch said. “Any new law must respect and integrate these systems rather than override them.”

Journalists present at the meeting, including Rogers Barishaki, Station Manager of Elgon Radio Kapchorwa, underscored the role of the media in facilitating informed public discourse.

Barishaki pledged to provide accurate and balanced coverage of the bill to ensure citizens are well informed and able to engage meaningfully in the debate.

The engagement also provided an opportunity for participants to examine specific provisions within the draft bill. Breakout discussions revealed widespread concern over clauses perceived to limit public oversight and concentrate decision-making powers. Stakeholders argued that such provisions could undermine transparency and hinder effective service delivery.

In a joint resolution, participants called for the immediate suspension of the bill’s progression until comprehensive consultations are conducted across all regions of the country.

They also urged Members of Parliament representing the Sebei to return to their constituencies and engage directly with voters in order to forge a unified position.

“We are not opposed to legislation,” Cherop clarified in his closing remarks. “But we reject processes that exclude the people. Democracy thrives on participation, and any attempt to sideline citizens will weaken our governance systems.”

Stakeholders emphasised that Sebei MPs have a responsibility to consult widely and reflect the views of their electorates before taking any position on the bill in Parliament. They noted that such engagement would promote transparency and strengthen trust between leaders and the communities they serve.

KACSOA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive governance and pledged to continue organising similar engagements across the Sebei sub-region, noting that such forums are essential in bridging the gap between policymakers and the public.

As debate over the Sovereignty Bill 2026 gathers momentum, the voices from Sebei add to a growing chorus of concern from different parts of the country.

Whether these concerns will influence the legislative process remains to be seen, but stakeholders in Sebei have made their position clear: the bill, in its current form, lacks their support and requires broader consultation before any further steps are taken.

The outcome of the engagement signals a strong demand for accountability and public participation in law-making processes, with a clear call for leaders to return to the people and ensure their voices shape the country’s legislative agenda.

https://thecooperator.news/sovereignty-bill-risks-deterring-investment-and-trade-bankers-warn/