Women leaders back increased FIA funding to curb financial crime

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A coalition of women leaders, including Members of Parliament, district councillors, and civil society actors, have rejected the proposed Sovereignty Bill 2026 and instead called for increased funding and the strengthening of the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) to curb financial crime.

Edith Byanyima, a senior Democratic Party (DP) member, led the group in opposing the Bill, describing it as “inhuman, regressive, and out of touch” with the realities of ordinary Ugandans.

“With proper systems, Uganda can tell the difference between genuine development support and harmful influence,” she said on Monday, as the women rallied under a unified campaign slogan rejecting the proposed legislation.

This was at the Pope Paul Memorial Centre in Ndeeba, Kampala.

The leaders argued that rather than introducing restrictive laws, the government should invest more in existing institutions like the FIA, which is already mandated to monitor financial transactions and ensure accountability.

“The FIA is already doing its job, and doing it well,” said Byanyima, adding that the Authority tracks money flowing into the country and establishes its sources, whether from land sales, project funding, or import trade.

“Instead of duplicating roles, the government should strengthen existing institutions, increase funding, and improve transparency to effectively address financial crime."

Byanyima emphasised that with proper systems, Uganda can protect its sovereignty while still benefiting from partnerships, aid, and development support.

“Regulation should protect people, not block progress. Right now, we are seeing duplication of roles in government—that is why we say: Bin the Bill."

Lilliane Babirye, the chief executive officer of the Network of Women in Politics (NOWIP), warned that the Bill risks isolating Uganda from its diaspora by criminalising remittances that sustain millions of households.

“Since when did sending money home become a crime? How are Ugandans abroad expected to support their families if every transaction must go through layers of ministerial approval?”

Babirye said many Ugandans moved abroad in search of better opportunities and should not be penalised for supporting relatives back home.

“This Bill punishes resilience. It punishes connection. It punishes patriotism,” she said.

The coalition further warned that the Bill could stifle democratic space by suppressing dissent and discouraging citizen participation in governance.

“A healthy democracy thrives on diverse views. You cannot label both criticism and policy alternatives as threats at the same time," said the CEO.

'It is control'

The women group cited concerns that citizens raising issues such as rising pedestrian fatalities on highways or proposing solutions like flyovers could be criminalised under the law.

“Policy alternatives are not acts of rebellion; they are contributions toward better governance,” said Babirye.

The women also criticised provisions granting sweeping powers to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, including requiring Cabinet approval for financial inflows, arguing that this could create bureaucratic bottlenecks and opportunities for corruption.

“This is not accountability; it is control,” said Christine Nakimwero Kaaya, Woman MP for Kiboga district.

“It will create inefficiencies, encourage bribery, and concentrate power in the hands of a few individuals.”

The leaders stressed that strengthening the FIA would be a more practical and effective approach to safeguarding Uganda’s financial system without disrupting legitimate development support.

The coalition also raised concerns over the Bill’s proposed penalties, describing fines of up to sh1 billion for individuals and sh2 billion for organisations as excessive and unrealistic.

“In many cases, government allocations to sub-counties do not even reach Sh500 million annually. Such penalties are not only punitive but economically irrational," said Nakimwero.

Beyond financial regulation, the women highlighted the role of international partnerships in supporting community development, including building schools, drilling boreholes, and equipping health facilities.

“These initiatives are lifelines for many communities,” said Maxensia Nakibuuka Takilabule, the executive director of Lungujja Community Health Care Organisation (LUCOHE).

“Instead of restricting them, the government should be enabling and supporting them.”

Security concerns also featured prominently, with the leaders urging the government to prioritise addressing rising crime and protecting citizens.

“People are being killed, and insecurity is rising. The focus should be on protecting Ugandans, not policing development funds," said Mariam Nansamba, a councillor from Kampala. 

Bashira Nantongo, the executive director of the Forum for Muslim Women in Leadership, warned that the Bill could negatively impact youth employment, particularly for those seeking opportunities abroad.

“With over 70% percent of Uganda’s population being youth, this Bill risks limiting opportunities and remittances. We could lose over 30,000 jobs," said Nantongo.

She questioned whether the Bill truly serves its intended purpose of protecting national sovereignty.

“As much as it is meant to protect national interests, we must ask whether its provisions actually safeguard the country."

Clad in headwear and outfits branded “BIN THE BILL,” the women expressed unified opposition to the legislation, arguing that existing laws are sufficient if properly implemented.

“Ugandans deserve laws that protect, empower, and unite them, not laws that punish, divide, and silence them,” said Byanyima.