Why Kyagulanyi wants Constitution translated into local languages

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National Unity Platform presidential flag bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu on Monday (December 29) pledged to translate Uganda’s Constitution into major local languages if elected president, arguing that many citizens remain disconnected from the country’s supreme law because it is largely inaccessible to those who do not speak English.

Kyagulanyi said the Constitution, which defines citizens’ rights, responsibilities and the limits of state power, should not be the preserve of lawyers, elites or English speakers. Instead, he said, every Ugandan should be able to read and understand it in a language they are comfortable with.

Speaking during a tour of Kalungu and Bukomansimbi districts, Kyagulanyi said: "They have not promoted it because they don't want you to know your rights."

A 2019 pilot study by the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda indicated a growing demand for the translation of the Constitution into indigenous languages. The study, conducted by the Uganda National Dialogue process organising team, held pilot sessions in Buikwe, Katakwi, Luuka, Gulu and Kabarole districts. More than 3,000 Ugandans participated in the dialogues, which focused on good governance, constitutionalism, the rule of law and national development.

Currently, Uganda’s Constitution is predominantly available in English. Although some translations exist, they are neither widely distributed nor integrated into public education and civic engagement programmes.

“When a farmer, a fisherman, or a market vendor understands what the Constitution says about their rights, it becomes harder for anyone to oppress them,” Kyagulanyi said.

If elected, Kyagulanyi also said he intends to reintroduce political education and promote the teaching of liberal arts, arguing that this is necessary to equip citizens with civic awareness and critical thinking skills.

"We want an education system that produces citizens, not just job seekers,” he added.

Under the current lower secondary school curriculum, political education was removed as part of a restructuring effort. The government defended the move, saying it was intended to make the education system more responsive to national needs and to address unemployment.

Kyagulanyi also addressed the controversy surrounding his supporters’ use of the national flag, which has become a prominent feature of his 2026 campaign. Flags are now commonly seen on cars, houses and motorcycles across the country.

While Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba recently suggested that some uses of the flag by NUP supporters could be illegal, Kyagulanyi said the government should instead commend them for promoting patriotism.

"The flag is our inheritance. Our forefathers who fought for independence left it for us," he said while addressing supporters at Kitasa St Victor SS grounds in Bukomansimbi. He added that while security forces wear the symbol on their uniforms, many may not fully understand its significance.

In Bukomansimbi, local leaders raised concerns about infrastructure and the coffee sector.

Geoffrey Lutaaya Kayemba, the Bukomansimbi South MP, cited the poor state of the Kyabakuza Matete road, which has repeatedly been budgeted for but remains unrepaired.

Kyagulanyi criticised the management of the coffee industry, questioning why processing plants are often located far from major growing areas such as Bukomansimbi. He also pledged to revive the national railway and condemned corruption, which he said costs the country sh10 trillion annually.

Unlike some previous campaign stops, rallies in Kalungu and Bukomansimbi experienced minimal interference from security forces. Large crowds escorted the NUP leader, although several boda boda accidents were reported.

Kyagulanyi continues his campaign trail on Tuesday (December 30) in Rakai and Kyotera.